According to a new group formed by independent promotors in Chicago, the city wishes to pass a law that claims to rid the city of shady promoters but the strict rules enacted in the law will make many DIY shows impossible.

The new law will require that promoters are over 21, and creates new rules for standing room venues as well as steep insurance requirements that will inevitably be passed along to showgoers.

For more information, you can visit this page.

A commenter points out this Chicago Tribune article which provides some independent criticism of the bill:

It requires any independent promoter hoping to do business with city clubs to buy a license for $500 to $2000 (depending on the size of the venue) plus acquire at least $300,000 in general liability insurance. In effect, this would impose a double layer of regulations on any independent event at a club that already holds a public place of amusement license but which has fewer than 500 "fixed" seats.

The ordinance in effect singles out some of the city's most respected clubs and theaters, including Metro, Schubas, Park West, the Vic, Buddy Guy's Legends, Martyrs, the Hideout, the Riviera, Uncommon Ground and dozens more establishments with a history of running safe, well–managed events. Many of these venues rely on independent promoters to bring them events and help keep them in business.