ABC News Quotes Brian Pomper on National Independent Venue Association Lobbying Work
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Akin Gump public law and policy practice co-head Brian Pomper has been quoted in the ABC News article “Facing extinction, local rock clubs hire lobbyists to plead with Congress.” Pomper is part of an Akin Gump team representing the National Independent Venue Association—a coalition of more than 1600 independent rock clubs—to advocate on their behalf before Congress for financial assistance during the coronavirus pandemic.
In March, the article reports, Congress passed the CARES Act, which included the Paycheck Protection Program, a forgivable loan program for small businesses that has worked well for some entertainment industry establishments. For nightclubs, though, which have indefinitely canceled upcoming events and, in many states are not even permitted to summon employees to work, Pomper said, “It’s a bit of a square peg in a round hole.”
The article reports that NIVA’s monthlong campaign for help may be gaining some steam.
“I’ve rarely worked with clients as energized and focused as the NIVA folks are,” Pomper observed. “These people are fighting for their lives.” Among the items under discussion, he said, are rent and mortgage forgiveness for independent clubs.
