Monday, October 21 - 1 PM - City Hall - Public Invited

Actors' Equity will consider supporting legislation banning cell phone use in New York City theatres and concert halls and is looking into enforcement issues. The report was made by Eastern Regional Director Carol Waaser at Equity's Eastern Regional Board meeting on Tuesday, October 8th, 2002.

On September 24, Waaser testified before the City Council's Consumer Affairs Committee meeting, joined by other representatives from the entertainment industry, including Barbara Janowitz (League of American Theatres and Producers), Robert Sunshine (National Association of Theatre Owners) and George Elmer, a Broadway house manager. The CTIA - Cellular Telecommunications and Internet Association, and the Mayor's office, spoke against the ban.

"I, along with other witnesses, spoke in favor of the ban" said Waaser "but cautioned that enforcement would be difficult and could cause more of a disturbance than the original offense." A $50 fine is being proposed for any violation.

The Consumer Affairs Committee will hold its next hearing on Monday, October 21 at 1 PM in the Committee Room at City Hall. The hearing is open to the public; for security reasons, a strict sign-in and screening procedure is in effect and photo ID is required.

For more information about the hearing, call (212) 788-7100.

David Lotz
Director of Communications
October 15, 2002

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