History Café: The Teen Dance Ordinance and Youth Political Action
OnlineIn 1985, Seattle's vibrant all-ages club scene was abruptly quieted by passage of the Teen Dance Ordinance. Young aspiring musicians could still play in venues like community centers, but it wasn't the same as the club scene. Youth activism grew, culminating in a series of public meetings where youth and famous allies, like Krist Novoselic, formerly of Nirvana, spoke out in favor of all-ages clubs. The campaign led to the replacement of the Teen Dance Ordinance with the All-Ages Dance Ordinance in 2002.
