Recently one individual attempted to attend a concert at G-Force Entertainment, scuffled with security, and then left the premises. When they were elsewhere, they made a poor choice and shot their gun. No one was hurt. Despite the fact that this individual made their own poor choices, it’s being made out that this was somehow to do with G-Force “creating an unsafe environment.” The Bangor Police Chief is now recommending that they be shut down. Their entertainment license is hanging in the balance.

 

On March 27th at 7:30, the Bangor City Council will address this issue, possibly taking a vote to determine G-Force’s fate.

 

This petition exists to support G-Force Entertainment as an important part of the community, and to ask the Councilors to see reason despite recommendations being made by some.

 

This is not a stand-alone action, and after signing, folks are encouraged to write their own letters of support if so inspired (see the bottom of this description for contact info).

 

G-Force is an establishment that benefits Bangor’s economy, families, local artists, and those who enjoy spending time and money at local events such as concerts, laser tag, arcade games, axe-throwing, and karaoke. If they are forced to close their doors, this establishment that genuinely exists to promote growth and positivity for recreation and art in Bangor will leave a huge void in its wake. Families will have one fewer place to take their kids or have a date night. The young crowd will have one less place to sing karaoke or throw axes (safely). Some artists from all over who want to visit Bangor will inevitably not come. Things will get 10 times harder for musicians in the area to grow their skills and branch out. Event-planners who need a great spot will have one fewer location to entertain. All of the money that went into remodeling the space in the mall will have gone to waste. The mall will have ANOTHER empty hole. All of the money that G-Force brought in, both directly and by welcoming new visitors to the city, will cease to flow. The Bangor City Council will be communicating that they fear a single person’s foolish actions more than they believe in the ability of local authorities to proactively support a healthy and safe wellspring of entertainment for all.

 

G-Force’s story, as we know it, began in Brewer. From the start, they were a community-minded organization - asking the public for input and ideas on everything from food, to drinks, to entertainment. In time, the lease there ran out and the landlord took another offer for higher rent (we’ve all been there) and they had to relocate. In a WABI article from February 19, 2021, CEO Brian Plavnick is quoted saying, “I’m in this business because I love selling smiles. It’s really sad when I can’t do that,” and went on to say “My first thought was the kids, our customers, and making them upset.” Always focused on the community.

 

When they moved to their current home in the Bangor Mall, they invested considerably in remodeling the space. When they opened their doors, Bangor began to experience the benefits. G-Force provides a place for regular people to congregate and enjoy themselves; an alternative to the largely little-to-do, maybe-getting-into-trouble-for-fun landscape of Bangor prior to their presence.

 

G-Force has been a wonderful boon for the local music scene which has suffered over the last decade or two as so many small venues closed down. Not only has G-Force helped artists with nowhere to perform, but local music consumers with few places to listen. No local venue has made up-and-coming artists feel as welcomed, respected, and a part of something as G-Force in over a decade. The pandemic didn’t help matters!

 

To shut down a newish business because of suppositions about the actions of one individual from out of town after attending a concert at this venue - well that would be a grave misstep. Bangor needs G-Force. Who else is going to “sell smiles” and develop the economy at the same time as supporting local art, AND wholesome family fun?

 

On March 27th, the Bangor City Council is meeting at 7:30 at City Hall. During that meeting, they will consider whether to follow the Police Chief’s recommendation to revoke G-Force’s entertainment license and discontinue the establishment’s ability to open its doors. We have just a few days to make sure constituents know what is at stake here, and that their voices are heard by those who run this city on their behalf.

 

If you feel inspired to, please write respectfully to the city council, at their shared address (councilors@bangormaine.gov) or individually:

 

clare.davitt@bangormaine.gov, richard.fournier@bangormaine.gov, susan.hawes@bangormaine.gov, cara.pelletier@bangormaine.gov, gretchen.schaefer@bangormaine.gov, jonathan.sprague@bangormaine.gov, dan.tremble@bangormaine.gov, dina.yacoubagha@bangormaine.gov, joseph.leonard@bangormaine.gov,

 

Additionally, the Bangor City Manager team can be contacted at 207-992-4204 | city.manager@bangormaine.gov or individually at:

 

City Manager - debbie.laurie@bangormaine.gov

Assistant City Manager - courtney.odonnell@bangormaine.gov

Public Engagement Specialist - 992-4268 - julia.steer@bangormaine.gov 

 

Other city contacts including the Economic and Community Development teams can be found at https://www.bangormaine.gov/contactus 

 

Thanks so much!!