Church reverts to 21-plus policy for all events

Fenway rock club CHURCH is shifting to a 21-plus format for all of its shows until a dispute with the city is settled. The Kilmarnock Street live music venue was informed by city officials earlier this week they had not notified City Hall for all of its all-ages and 18-plus shows, and was served a cease and desist order. In the past year or so, Church has become a popular spot for weekend all-ages matinee shows and 18-plus live events and dance parties. 

Earlier today, booking agent (and occasional Phoenix contributor) NICK BLAKEY issued this email to all the bands and performers on Church's November schedule:

Tuesday night we received a cease and desist from the City of Boston. Because of this citation, we cannot host any 18+ or All Ages shows until further notice. This is to due to an ordinance (or thereof), we have been informed, handed down by the city that all 18+ shows must be approved in writing beforehand by the city.

When we find out the results of our hearing -- which is November 28th -- I can let you know if we can go back to having 18+ shows, but until then, all shows at Church must be 21+. There is absolutely no way around this. Also, all band guests must be 21+.

We’d like to proceed with your show as planned but it now needs to be 21+. If anyone has purchased tickets in advance of the show and is under 21+, we will issue a refund.

I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience of this.

Yrs,
Nick Blakey
Booking Agent
Church of Boston