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Interesting letter to the editor, from the Syracuse NY Post-Standard
CAMERA OFF-LIMITS AS POT-SMOKERS CARRY ON
11/12/2002 The Post-Standard Syracuse, NY
To the Editor:
I brought a digital camera to the recent Gov ' t Mule concert at the Landmark Theatre to take some photos for my own personal use. While taking a photograph, I was approached by a security person, escorted out of the theater and told to delete all the photos from the camera before re-entering. I was also told that if I was seen taking additional photos, the camera would be confiscated.
At the same time, I observed countless people smoking both cigarettes and marijuana quite openly. I saw one group of four or five people in front of center stage passing a pipe while the house lights were on during the intermission. In fact, on one occasion I observed a security person pass only a few feet behind a group of people smoking pot. I find it hard to believe that security did not observe the open, widespread intake of marijuana.
Concerning camera usage, I saw no signs stating "no cameras." There was nothing on the ticket other than some microscopic print on the back of the Ticketmaster ticket stating among other things, "in conformance with some local requirements or certain facility rules, certain items may not be brought into the premises, including without limitation, alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, cameras and recording devices." However, what part of this applied to this particular performance was not indicated specifically, and audio recording of this show was allowed ( Gov ' t Mule allows it).
I don't know whether security was provided by the concert promoter or the Landmark Theatre itself, but I think the priorities should be seriously reviewed.
John Giroux
Syracuse