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Event Planners Slam Kerry's Bank-Party Ban
Killing big bashes would zap jobs, complain critics
By Matt Cantor
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Posted Mar 9, 09 12:34 PM CDT
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(Newser)
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Event planners say Sen. John Kerry's legislative push to prevent bailed-out banks from throwing big bashes could end up bashing the economy even more, the New York Post reports. It could "hurt a lot of the people the government is trying to help," says an industry rep of the bill, introduced by Kerry after a Chicago bank sponsored a lavish golf tournament in LA, complete with a Sheryl Crow gig. The bill would nix "conferences, holiday parties, and entertainment events."
"Just because John Kerry didn't get into the White House, and probably wouldn't get into The Eldridge either, he should really be focusing on creating more jobs, not taking them away," says the owner of that New York club. Corporate events are major money-makers for clubs and other venues—and for the many people who help make them happen. “At the end of the day, we are an industry of valets, caterers, florists, groomers, and the like," said an event planner.