The bands hadn’t even unpacked the equipment yet when authorities showed up to end a planned all-ages rock show last Thursday at Rumors, a used-clothing store near Virginia Commonwealth University.
The raid, which included more than a dozen Richmond police officers, city code officials and agents from the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, is the latest in what some see as an ongoing crackdown on the city’s burgeoning underground music and art scene — one with the potential to snuff it out.
The Rumors show was to include three bands, serve no alcohol and seek a voluntary admissions donation meant to help defray the bands’ costs.
“It blows my mind,” says Matt White, a prominent local musician scheduled to play that night. “I don’t know how anyone in their right mind can say we’re going to bust this really small super-grassroots arts organization and make it a huge hassle for them to create music in the city.”
White arrived as police were wrapping up and issuing the store’s owner, Casey Longyear, a summons. Longyear declined comment for this story.
The law enforcement team responsible was assembled by Richmond’s Community Assisted Public Safety program, known as CAPS, according to a spokesman for the ABC board, who confirmed his agency’s part in the raid.
“The city was inspecting. … this clothing store,” says ABC’s Philip Bogenberger. “ABC was present but there were no arrests made by ABC.” Bogenberger says he knows of no specific information that might have hinted at illegal sale of alcohol at Rumors, which is on Harrison Street.
No alcohol, but there were violations, says Maj. Norris Evans, who oversees the Richmond Police Department’s community youth and intervention services. Rumors was cited for failing to pay tax on admissions and for not having a business license to operate a club. Additionally, Rumors received eight notices of zoning or code violations.
“There’s a major distance between a club and a clothing store,” Evans says. “Most clothing stores don’t charge admission to come in and have music.”
1) Have the live music at an existing church or community center. Better yet, if a business wants to support live music, form a coalition/agreement/contract with a venue that is already set up to accommodate live music.
2) Work with, rather than against, the system. First, find out what the laws are and don't break them. Second, write letters to your local elected representatives and politely, respectfully lay out your arguments for your point of view. Get others to do so as well. Before you know it, you will have a lobby.
Yes, the city police could adopt a more community-based approach. No, Virginia's ABC laws are not designed to promote the arts.
Lastly, the idea of an 'all-ages' show is going to raise concerns. It's not just about underage drinking but parents are protective (even over-protective) of their kids. Even if it's not their kids, they are going to err on the side of caution in allowing underage people to congregate in a largely unsupervised manner. Police, politicians, etc. all jump at the chance at an easy victory. There are likely numerous, albeit paranoid, parents around who are glad that officials are apt to prevent young people from assembling, even peaceably.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009 8:23:21 PM by ANON
well it's not like there's NEVER been underage drinking going on there. they're lucky it wasn't happening that night. i'm all about promoting live music and art and all, and so yeah, the police over-reacted, but at the same time a responsible store owner should be familiar with permits and the law, you can't put the blame all on the so-called "authorities"
Wednesday, May 27, 2009 10:27:58 AM by Anonymous
there were 0 violations given. 0 violations served. 0 violations on file. If you don't believe me check with the city.
Thursday, May 21, 2009 12:23:29 AM by Anonymous
This seems totally absurd. I'm not familiar with the store and the circumstances of this event, but let's focus on the purpose of zoning for clubs. The benefit of having a zoning code for clubs noise pollution control, distribution of alcohol can be controlled, public intoxication can be corralled into more easily monitored areas.
The noise issue is the only that applies here. Tell me, how is this private function any different than something like a gallery opening, other than the fact that the participants were young people? If the Fan District Association was hosting a function at a local business, with people congregating and socializing outdoors, would ABC and the local police ticket the establishment and find them in violation of zoning ordinances? Of course not, and you would find alcohol being distributed there.
So what was this? Young people were seen congregating and socializing outdoors. Rather than familiarizing themselves with the people and the function's host, and informing them how to operate w/o zoning laws next time, the police issued tickets to punish the business operators. They even brought their ABC friends in the event they might be able to slap some serious violations and fines on the proprietors.
This isn't NYC where police have a hard time building community relationships, and the transitory-nature of the city requires that all violations be documented and ticketed. Richmond is city that can function as a community. As such, police can and should focus on "serving & protecting" residents and proprietors. Lazy heavy handed policing doesn't foster a healthy atmosphere for anyone.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009 4:40:25 PM by Anonymous
there were definitely not 8 notices, papers exaggerate sometimes
I agree that this was overreaction...and handled poorly. But if you do not have the proper license or insurance..and kids get hurt..or worse.. 8 notices that went without response. To dismiss the fact that the club operators did not follow the law is silly. those whining about Richmond being backwater would be first to attack if a fire broke out "why did authorities not SHUT IT DOWN??" would be the cry.
Sunday, May 10, 2009 2:53:18 PM by CommunityChest
This is an outrage. Rumors has never sold or distributed alcohol at their shows, they can't pay taxes on money they don't collect - Please read this: http://communitychestrva.blogspot.com/
Saturday, May 09, 2009 7:28:04 PM by Anonymous
Don't they have some DUI legislators to hassle or something?
Thursday, May 07, 2009 9:34:36 AM by RoBo
Another example of the city with misplaced priorities. Richmond is so backwater. All that potentital....
Wednesday, May 06, 2009 10:41:53 AM by joseph musgrave
someone out there must have the time and resources and desire to organize an uprising. all richmonders must be represented in public policy.
