The move comes after lobbying from the local music industry.
Under new guidelines announced by Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation Edward O’Donohue, they will no longer have to cut through red tape while seeking approval to hold one.
Instead, from next year, licensees have to notify the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) that they plan to hold such an event seven days before. This gives the VCGLR and Victoria Police time to undertake appropriate compliance activities.
“The current application process is administratively burdensome and hampers the growth of the live music industry in Victoria,” O’Donohue admitted. “These reforms are designed to encourage a vibrant live music industry in Victoria, by allowing events to be held without undue restriction or the burden of unnecessary red tape.”
Interim measures will be introduced until the legislative reforms are passed next year, including the creation of a new category of alcohol-free youth events for patrons aged 12 to 25.
O’Donohue revealed that the guidelines were developed as a direct result of the Live Music Roundtable that the State Government set up last year, to include representatives of the Government, the music and hospitality industries and Victorian Police.
“Promoting best practice in live music venue management is one of the Live Music Roundtable’s key objectives,” he said. “These guidelines provide tailored advice to live music venue operators, to assist them in providing a safe and comfortable environment for everyone involved in – or affected by – the live music industry.”
The State Government’s stance is that live music generated $301 million into the Victorian economy and creates 15,000 full time jobs. Therefore it needs to address its challenges. “These guidelines provide important advice on issues such as sound management, liquor licensing, and building positive relationships with local authorities and residents,” O’Donohue pointed out.
Music Victoria CEO, Patrick Donovan, responded, “This is a massive outcome for the live music Industry that will benefit artists, venues, promoters and young music fans who are the future of the industry. It also illustrates what can be achieved when the industry and various departments of the government come together and work through issues that hinder our wonderful live music industry. We hope it is the first of many outcomes to come out of the Live Music Roundtable.”
Peter Chellew, Executive Officer at The Push, said: “This is a generous act by the Victorian Government in support of our vibrant live music sector and in favour of young people’s rights to access cultural activities. They have tackled tough ‘steam punk’ liquor regulations straight out of the 19th century and provided an innovative result that accurately reflects 21st century community values.”
He pointed out, “Barriers to live music for young people will be reduced. Young audiences will now engage in positive live music culture within safe environments, rather than at uncontrolled warehouse or house parties. This is also a great outcome for young people in regional areas, where the local pub is often the only safe space available to enjoy live music.”
Promoter Richard Moffat, whose company Way Over There books the Corner Hotel and Northcote Social Club, is one who plans to be promoting underage gigs.
“I can’t begin to express how happy I am to know Melbourne venues will once again be hosting delicensed all-ages shows. It is what I grew up with I the ’80s and the main reason I now work with so many musicians I have admired and loved.
“For many years Melbourne has had these troubling restricting laws that have effectively ‘ghettoized’ entertainment for teenagers. It has meant parents cannot see bands they love with their kids…older brother and sisters not being able to attend with younger siblings. “It has had no value to anyone and nearly destroyed bands ability to play to a significant audience that has wanted to see them.
“I will welcome all age shows back. I have teens myself now and I want them out and about experiencing and loving life and music and having great adventures.”
A recommendation made this month to the South Australian Government by its Thinker In Residence, UK festival promoter Martin Elbourne, is that promoters who run under-age gigs should be encouraged with financial aid as their profits are less due to no alcohol sales.
