Key Takeaways
- The City Council of Portland, Maine, has unanimously voted to create a new license for large entertainment venues, requiring them to contribute 1%-2% of ticket sales to an Entertainment Sector Trust Fund.
- The trust fund will benefit the local arts community, with potential uses including improving entertainment, rehearsal, and event spaces, purchasing equipment and services, and enhancing education and training.
- The new license was developed in response to public outcry against a proposed Live Nation concert venue downtown, with concerns about a lack of support for young artists and small venues.
- The license and fee on tickets do not apply to city-owned venues, but will affect other large venues such as Cross Insurance Arena and Thompson’s Point.
- Existing venues will not have to enter into the new agreement until the second termination of their annual license after the enactment date, which will take time to impact existing venues.
Introduction to the New License
The City Council of Portland, Maine, has voted to create a new license for large entertainment venues, requiring them to contribute a portion of every ticket sold to a trust fund to benefit the local arts community. The amendment to the city’s code calls for the council to determine how the fund would operate, but suggests local artists and businesses could use it to help improve entertainment, rehearsal, and event spaces, purchase equipment and services, and enhance education and training. This move comes in response to public outcry against a proposed Live Nation concert venue downtown, which has sparked concerns about the lack of support for young artists and small venues.
The Proposed Live Nation Concert Venue
The proposed Live Nation concert venue, known as the Portland Music Hall, would be a 3,300-seat concert venue located at the corner of Cumberland Avenue and Myrtle Street, just around the corner from Merrill Auditorium. The developers had already agreed to contribute $1 per ticket as a condition of approval, with half the money going to Greater Portland Metro to improve bus service and the rest going to the city to benefit local arts organizations. However, the project was stalled by a moratorium on large performance halls and theaters, which was enacted by the City Council in August. The planning board has since tabled the project until March 24, 2026, its first meeting after the moratorium is set to expire.
The Entertainment Sector Trust Fund
The Entertainment Sector Trust Fund will be established to support the local arts community, with contributions from large entertainment venues. The fund will be used to improve entertainment, rehearsal, and event spaces, purchase equipment and services, and enhance education and training. The percentage contributed to the fund will apply to the base ticket price, before taxes and third-party service fees are added. Venues with a capacity of 2,000 to 2,499 will provide 1% of base ticket sales to the fund, while venues between 2,500 and 2,999 will provide 1.5%, and venues with a capacity of 3,000 or more will contribute 2% of sales.
Impact on Existing Venues
The new license and fee on tickets will not apply to city-owned venues, but will affect other large venues such as Cross Insurance Arena and Thompson’s Point. Existing venues will not have to enter into the new agreement until the second termination of their annual license after the enactment date, which will take time to impact existing venues. For example, a venue whose current license ends this May will not need to sign on to the agreement and begin contributing to the fund until their next license renewal in May 2027. This phased implementation will allow existing venues to adjust to the new requirements and ensure a smooth transition.
Recognition of Firefighters
In a separate matter, Gov. Janet Mills appeared at the Portland City Council meeting to honor the Portland Fire Department and neighboring agencies that responded to the blaze on Custom House Wharf last month. Mayor Mark Dion followed with a similar decree, honoring the firefighters’ heroism the night of Dec. 26. Fire Chief Chad Johnston thanked the lawmakers, but also highlighted the response of the community they serve, stating that the community’s ability to pull together in times of need is truly humbling. The recognition of the firefighters’ bravery and dedication is a testament to the city’s appreciation for their hard work and selflessness.
