Press release:
The Great Orbax (IAM) and Sweet Pepper Klopek’s (IAM) traveling show ‘Monsters of Schlock‘ is being banned by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission.
We arrived at Better than Fred’s in Grande Prairie AB looking forward to a great show booked several months in advance to a sold out venue. The liquor commissioner calls the venue at 4:30 on Friday night (the night of the show), and points out this law.
section: board policies
page 47 of 65
1.41.1. Entertainment that has the potential to be considered bizarre, grotesque or offensive must be referred to the Board for approval before being provided. This includes entertainment involving live animals, excluding magical acts.
And then refuses to grant permission for tonight’s show. The bar was threatened with a minimum $10,000 fine and possible loss of liquor license if the inspectors deem it to be grotesque by their standards. This show had been advertised through print, web, and radio ads for close to a month at a cost of thousands to the venue, costs which cannot be recouped.
Our show has performed across Canada to thousands of satisfied viewers, is performed by professionals, performed for people between the ages of 8 and 80, and is now deemed to be too grotesque and offensive to be seen by the people of Northern Alberta.
So apparently in Alberta if you are an adult and have purchased a ticket to see a professional magic stunt show with viewer discretion advised, the liquor board will decide whether or not you should be allowed to see it.
Thanks in advance for your support against this type of censorship!
