Coronavirus: Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program -- Criticism?

Before the vaccine rollout, independent venues and theaters were shut down across the nation to prevent large gatherings that would result in the spread of COVID-19. There was a push by the National Independent Venue Association for Congress to include bailout funding for these venues in one of the stimulus packages. Senators Amy Klobuchar and John Cornyn took the lead and eventually $16 billion was allocated to save venues across the country under the program called Shutter Venue Operators Grant (SVOG).

As grants are being handed out, a question is being asked: are certain entities taking advantage of the funding?

New York Times (June 29) reports on the musical production "Hamilton":

So why is the show getting $30 million in relief from the federal government, with the possibility of another $20 million coming down the road?

The answer is that, before the pandemic, “Hamilton” had five separately incorporated productions running in the United States — one on Broadway and four on tour — and, under the rules set up for the government’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program, which provides pandemic relief for the culture sector and live-event businesses, each was eligible for $10 million to help make up for lost revenue.

The article does interview the lead producer Jeffrey Seller who gives some detailed explanation on how the money will be spent.

The question I have is: did the $16 billion take into account that a handful of large operators who have multiple incorporations would be requesting the maximum amount of $10 million? I suspect so as I'm sure there were some smart lobbyist who helped develop the needed amount of money, but who really knows. We'll find out shortly as CNBC (June 23) reports:

The Small Business Administration plans to process most of the aid applications from its Shutter Venue Operators Grant program by early July, Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., said Wednesday.

If a number of small and truly independent venues start closing down in late July due to their funding needs not being fully met, we'll know who to blame.