Fear not, minors — a ban on all-ages shows probably won’t come to pass. But things may get a little stricter in the months to come.

According to both the Post and the Examiner, a hearing yesterday on all-ages clubs in the wake of last weekend’s killing of 17-year-old Taleshia Ford provoked heated opinions from both parents and District music fans. On the one side, concerned parents argued that minors can too easily get into clubs and purchase alcohol, citing emerging news that bartenders at Club 1919 — where Ford was shot early Saturday morning — took $10 payments to serve minors drinks. On the other side stood music fans and club owners, who noted that any blanket ban on all-ages would stiffle the District’s vibrant music scene and unfairly sanction clubs that take measures to ensure that underage patrons cannot purchase alcohol.

Ultimately, though, a resolution that balances both sides is likely to come. According to an email sent by Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) after the hearing, regulations on all-age shows may soon increase, but the shows won’t disappear:

We are also now considering various ideas for inclusion in legislation. We need to establish (not strengthen, as none now exist!) rules on security, training, process for identifying underage persons, and other matters to govern nightclubs that admit minors for bands and other entertainment.

We will probably recommend a regulatory category, into which such all ages venues may choose to transfer.

We will also be considering establishing an age, below which no minor unless accompanied by apparent or guardian may be admitted. AT present there is no such age limit.

Acting D.C. Attorney General Linda Singer testified at the hearing that the Alcohol Beverage Control Board is looking into creating a mixed-use license for clubs where alcohol is not the centerpiece, thus hinting that all-age shows at the 9:30 Club and Black Cat will likely continue.

Though we initially took a strong stance against any blanket ban on all-age shows, we’re happy to see that any changes contemplated will take into consideration that one incident shouldn’t tar what is otherwise a well-accepted and self-regulated tradition in the District music scene.