The Nanny State is at it again, this time trying to place new restrictions on nightclubs. Or bars featuring live music. Or clubs hosting all-ages shows, minus booze, etc.

In the current draft of a new proposal, The Density Work Group (which includes Seattle City Attorney Tom Carr), working with the Washington State Liquor Control Board, creates a new classification of alcohol permit for nightclubs, which are to be defined as establishments that serve alcohol, operate between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. (though not exclusively) five days a week or less, charge cover for live shows or don't offer food menus along with drinks. Those under 21 will not be allowed to enter.

If this proposal (not yet a bill) gets pushed through, we won't see any all-ages shows at venues such as the Showbox and the Crocodile. And how could underage bands play to their young fans? After the 2002 demise of the highly restrictive Teen Dance Ordinance, Seattle saw bands such as Schoolyard Heroes and Kane Hodder emerge, due in part to the exposure provided by shows at major venues.

The logic behind the proposal is hard to decipher. A spokeswoman for the Liquor Board said it addresses "density issues," such as the state's current limit of one permit for spirits, beer and wine-serving restaurant per 1,450 residents, which is 121 permits away from being capped. The bonus nightclub classification could allow for more permits. So then why add the "21 and over" clause? Because, she said, the proposal also targets issues such as minors having access to alcohol, even though bars either stop serving alcohol during all-ages shows or serve those over 21 in a separate area. The proposal doesn't really make life any safer for teens. Just far more dull.

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