From Christie’s music business news today:
GOVERNMENT READIES SWINE FLU BANS FOR CONCERTS, PUBS, CLUBS & LIVE MUSIC EVENTS
In a meeting of Federal and state government health officials, a plan to ban any music events for the months of September and October to control both swine flu outbreaks and seasonal flu epidemics has struck fear into the suffering live music industry and music festival and conference producers. The government intends to act swiftly to not allow events which have people packed into public places, dancing, sweating and potentially spreading disease which translates to stopping live music as well as dance parties and raves.
Bands would have to stop touring, live music venues would have to close down for the two month period (which could be extended if a perceived threat of epidemic remains). A consortium of the Musicians Union, Media & Arts Alliance and PPCA are hiring a lobbyist to try and prevent this action.
Is it just me, or is this retarded? What are your thoughts?