TOPIC:

One of the problems is that for most live music venues the real profit is to made from bar sales, not ticket sales. Unfortunately that means that there isn't much incentive to host all-ages or alcohol-free shows.
Sticking with the Minor Threat theme: When I was in college i was involved in organising a Fugazi concert. One of the conditions from Fugazi was that there had to be an afternoon alcohol free all-ages show. The venue wasn't interested so the gig didn't happen.
In my (limited) experience it's not unusual for a venue to offer their facilities for no charge in exchange for bar profits. In venues that have no bar, booking can be prohibitive and costs may only be recouped if a bar is put on by the concert organisers - its a bit of a vicious circle really

[quote:1zsql5zd]When I was in college i was involved in organising a Fugazi concert. One of the conditions from Fugazi was that there had to be an afternoon alcohol free all-ages show. The venue wasn't interested so the gig didn't happen.[/quote:1zsql5zd]
Thats really interesting.

I wonder how we switched from a model where you could rent a community or school hall for not very much and let in 15 year olds. The extra sales to 15 year olds probably paid for the hall. To one where the music is a way to get people into the bar. The venue is free but you can only let in 18+.

Have people recently been to a gig in a place that didn't sell booze. Would not having beer be a disincentive to go? To me it probably would be

As a craft beer zealot, gig venues I would actually have a beer in are pretty much non-existent.

[quote:oydo9iwb]As a craft beer zealot, gig venues I would actually have a beer in are pretty much non-existent.[/quote:oydo9iwb]

Really you wont drink macro swill if you have no other option?

I don't drink empty ethanol. If I'm not going to enjoy it, I'd rather leave it, thanks.

"sbillings":3d3kcsfx wrote: As a craft beer zealot, gig venues I would actually have a beer in are pretty much non-existent.[/quote:3d3kcsfx]

The Bowery Ballroom in New York City was like my perfect venue, great gigs and Goose Island IPA on tap.

Was at another venue in Washington DC (the black cat, i think) that had an amazing selection of bottles/cans of craft beer (no taps) but couldn't get into the gig (Tuneyards) as it was sold out and not even a tout anywhere to be seen. Still was nice hanging around in hope having some great beers.

Vicar Street now has Smithwicks Pale Ale so a little bit better than nothing.