Toronto versus New York

So New York compares itself to London, and Toronto compares itself to New York.

Torontoist: Marketing Toronto: Work vs. Play: "We are lightyears ahead of New York's nightlife, with its draconian Cabaret Law (dancing in a NYC club that lacks a dancing permit is illegal, fewer than 300 such permits exist), stringent noise laws, regular police stings and frequent padlocking of venues. At the same time, most Americans have no idea that Toronto regularly attracts many more famous international DJs and bands to its hundreds of bars, concert venues and clubs where one may drink at 19 and perhaps indulge in less-than-legal intoxicants with relative impunity, free from the American government's (and New York City government's) failed war on freedom. Are we implying that Toronto is a bit of a Sin City? Maybe just a liberated one. ...

And when asked the question, 'What more could we be doing to promote our city?' There are a number of steps we can take:

* Award more grants to nightlife event promoters. Sometimes venue rentals or flying famous artists in is just too expensive.

* Start talking about nightlife in promotional materials for the city. Maybe those purple, teardrop-shaped musical notes should be turntables and speakers.

* Allow all night dance parties on city property once again. This ban singlehandedly ended the 15,000 person dance music gatherings that characterized pre-2001 Toronto, leading to the current venue loss crisis.

* Work more closely with event promoters to help promote their larger events.

* Make it less legally risky for property owners to allow a nightlife event on their property.

* Stop crackdowns against nightlife before they start. The recent Docks liquor license suspension was scary enough.
* Repeal the curfew. Seriously. Those kids have money!

* Loosen up alcohol laws; Montréal didn't get its 'fun' reputation among Americans by closing the bars at 2."

Toronto
tourism
creative class