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Last fall, Edmonton’s music scene was in crisis.

Five live music venues closed their doors in 2015, prompting drummer Thom Bennett to mobilize musicians, promoters, city officials, journalists, radio hosts and club owners in an effort to strengthen the scene.

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As part of the Edmonton Live Music Initiative, they came up with several solutions — including the possibility of longer serving hours at live music venues. More alcohol sales would lead to more bar revenues, which would lead to more stability and better paydays for musicians, according to proponents.

One year later, the state of the scene seems much healthier. At least five new venues opened in 2016, including The Needle Vinyl Tavern on Jasper Avenue, The Chvrch of John on 103 Street, The Rec Room in South Edmonton Common, and The Sewing Machine Factory on Whyte Avenue.

Does this mean the end of ELM?

Not at all.

Last December, musician and New Democratic MLA David Shepherd presented a motion in the legislature to explore the feasibility of extending serving hours by an hour to 3 a.m. His motion passed — and then Shepherd and Bennett consulted with members of Alberta’s music and hospitality industries.