Clubs will rock on

City backtracks on threat to pull licences at 3 clubs

Publication title: Edmonton Journal

Pages: B1 / FRONT              

Section: City

Publication date: Feb 3, 2001

ProQuest document ID: 252853276

Copyright: Copyright Southam Publications Inc. Feb 3, 2001

Author: Hall, Vicki

Abstract:

More than 5,000 people signed a petition to save the clubs after the city threatened to pull their licences due to complaints of constant noise, litter and vandalism.

He wants assurance that patrons don't cause a disturbance outside between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. [Phil Fearon] also ordered the three clubs to enter mediation with the neighbouring Alberta Place Suite Hotel, the Econo Lodge and the Cathedral Close Apartments.

[Oliver Friedmann] said he is more than willing to work with his neighbours to minimize the noise and vandalism in the area. And he is also appealing to his patrons to respect the neighbours and keep the noise down while others are trying to sleep.

Full text:

Ran with factbox entitled, "Rules for Clubgoers" which has been appended to the end of this story.

The beat goes on for thousands of young people who love to party into the wee hours at three downtown clubs.

The city decided Friday to renew the business licences of The Rev, Lush and Therapy on 102nd Street, just north of 100th Avenue.

The mood was jubilant at the clubs Friday evening as staff and patrons alike celebrated the decision to keep the party spots open for business.

"It's been pretty stressful to all of us," said owner Oliver Friedmann. "There's a lot of history and a lot of memories here for many people. Hopefully we'll make more memories in the future."

More than 5,000 people signed a petition to save the clubs after the city threatened to pull their licences due to complaints of constant noise, litter and vandalism.

Therapy is an after-hours club where youth often dance past sunrise, resulting in complaints of round-the-clock booming bass noises.

"It's hard enough trying to run a nightclub downtown without the fear of the regulatory bodies shutting you down," Friedmann said.

But the battle is not necessarily won yet. Phil Fearon, the city's chief licence inspector, said he will review the situation in three months to ensure music emanating from the clubs isn't too loud.

He wants assurance that patrons don't cause a disturbance outside between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Fearon also ordered the three clubs to enter mediation with the neighbouring Alberta Place Suite Hotel, the Econo Lodge and the Cathedral Close Apartments.

"Neighbours' concerns must be taken into account whenever their right to enjoy peace and quiet in the early morning hours is frequently and repeatedly disturbed," he said in a written decision handed down Friday. "Mr. Friedmann, you have shown an interest in resolving issues with the surrounding community in 2000. I trust that you will continue to work towards this goal in 2001."

Friedmann said he is more than willing to work with his neighbours to minimize the noise and vandalism in the area. And he is also appealing to his patrons to respect the neighbours and keep the noise down while others are trying to sleep.

But Lillian Pushor, manager of the Alberta Place Suite Hotel, said she is not convinced the troubles will disappear. Last summer, the noise kept her customers awake at night and the hotel has been a constant target of graffiti, or tagging, as the practice is known in the rave community.

"Oliver can do all kinds of things to change," she said. "But if the people who love these clubs so much don't pitch in, it's not going to make a bit of difference.

"We'll have to see what happens."

Sean Lalonde said he is relieved Therapy, his favourite hang- out, will remain open. He signed the petition calling on city hall to keep the clubs alive.

"It's become a special place for me," said the 17-year-old from St. Albert. "I met half the friends I have there, so it's important they keep it open."

The clubs may also be subject to new rules resulting from a rave bylaw, which is expected to be drafted and reviewed by a city council committee by the end of the month.

RULES FOR CLUBGOERS

Excerpts from a flyer urging customers to behave when attending Therapy, an after-hours club downtown:

- Don't make noise coming and going to and from the club.

- Don't hang out in the parking lot.

- Don't party in the parking lot.

- Don't throw garbage or empty drink containers out of cars and into the parking lot.

- Don't hang out in or around any of the hotels and high-rise apartments in this area.

- Don't tag (spray paint) the buildings around the club.

- Do pay for parking.

- Do talk to your friends and fellow clubbers and remind them to act responsibly.

- Do co-operate with security patrolling the parking lot and the line-up.

- We have a right to dance, gather and celebrate in our club scene. But with that right, comes a responsibility to make sure we don't disturb others around us.

- The future of Therapy and other clubs like us depends on our ability to show that we can be responsible neighbours.