I didn't watch the video yet, but most small venues implement policies and equipment in misguided pursuit of simple answers and solutions.
The problem is things are too damn loud for the venue, either objectively or subjectively. The use of SPL data, no matter how scaled or collected, is an attempt to make objective that which is also subjective, i.e. if you don't like the music, it's always too loud.
As I used to explain to bar bands, the licenses on the walls are not there for "you to pimp your 'art', the licenses permit the bar to put liquor in a glass, maybe sell some food, and hopefully make a profit." If a band performs or behaves in ways that interfere with that revenue generation they are sabotaging return bookings.
This exactly!
If you are keeping the drinks and food flowing, the bar owner could care less if you are making the weight staff deaf
It is about making money in a bar. If people are there to see you and they are ordering all night ..... anything you do is good.
Now, if you sound like crap (for any reason) it is unlikely the bar will be full or be making money. If the people in the bar aren't there to hear you (if they are there to eat and talk to one another as an example), then almost any volume is "too loud"
