Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Jane Garrett, was at Cherry Bar in AC/DC Lane to launch the $250,000 Live Music Attenuation Assistance Program, which will help live venue owners and operators pay for soundproofing.
Successful applicants for the grants will be reimbursed for soundproofing works completed or contracted between September 4, 2010 and September 4, 2014. Venue owners and operators can apply to be refunded for works such as installation of acoustic insulation and glazing, sound absorbing materials and air-lock doors and windows.
Grants may also be available for venues where a nearby residential development received a planning permit before the Agent of Change Principle was introduced yet the construction did not commence by September 4, 2014.
Agent of Change states the onus for soundproofing is now on developers or residents who move near an established venue.
Premier Daniel Andrews said, “The Labor Government is committed to securing Victoria as the music capital of Australia, with $12.2 million being invested in the sector to support young and emerging musicians and live music venues, boosting tourism and creating jobs.”
Minister Garrett expanded, “Live music is part of our culture. We’re working hard to encourage it further, to promote emerging Victorian artists and draw more tourists from all over. The music scene is a significant contributor to our economy, and many Victorians are employed directly or indirectly in the industry.”
At the same time, the Government is also planning to lift the seven year late night liquor licence ban on small music venues and boutique bars which have 200 patrons or less.
From July 1, venues in the Melbourne, Yarra, Port Phillip and Stonnington council areas can (with consent from the relevant council) apply to sell alcohol beyond 1am. They must either have live music or serve food to qualify. The lifting of the ban, which was introduced in 2008 to cut down on drunken violence, does not apply to larger venues. The ban applies to them until 2019.
However, temporary extensions will be granted to venues of all sizes for major events including sporting and cultural events (like Grand Finals of various football codes) and on New Year’s Eve.
Minister Garrett said that research showed that smaller venues were “low risk”. She added, “We believe this is getting the balance right by protecting the community from alcohol related harm while seeing our city thrive.
“Melbourne is the envy of Australia in terms of our vibrant and diverse bar scene, our live music is world renowned and we want to see that culture go to the next level. People call us the Capital of Cool. This is going to make us even better.”
