Toronto allows EDM to stay at Exhibition Place (despite scheme by Rob Ford?)

A movement in Toronto to ban EDM concerts from a prominent venue failed in overwhelming defeat last week. The ban was to prevent any electronic music events to occur at Exhibition Place in Canada's largest city, but city council members voted the motion down by a vote of 31-4.

Councillor Gordon Perk suggested that the proposed ban was a "business competitive issue" derived from a "deliberately manufactured moral panic." The major argument used to overturn the proposed ban was that regardless of how unsafe the government believed EDM shows to be, they would undoubtedly be safer when held in sanctioned venues versus illegal warehouse shows.

The movement to ban EDM at Exhibition Place found itself enveloped in reasonable conspiracy theories as soon as it emerged. A ban on shows at the Exhibition Place would undoubtedly result in better business and more shows for Muzik, a Toronto nightclub located a few blocks away. Muzik is also publicly supported by Toronto's biggest politician (and possible biggest drinker), Mayor Rob Ford.

"They've used this very emotional argument to improve the financial position of one particular bar owner and one that so happens to be the bar of choice of the mayor," explained council member Mike Layton to the Toronto Sun.

It marks another instance where local governments have struck down attempts to ban EDM events. Although Miami's mayor had appeared in support of a ban on the Ultra Music Festival following a death and the trampling of a security guard at this year's event, the city quickly assured fans that the festival would return during 2015. New York City also recently announced that Electric Zoo would return after a pair of overdose deaths at last year's event.