The Lomond Hotel launches petition after local council shuts down their outdoor gigs
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08.01.2021

The Lomond Hotel launches petition after local council shuts down their outdoor gigs

Words by Tom Parker

At the time of writing, the petition had already garnered over 3,000 signatures.

The Lomond Hotel is one of many Melbourne live music venues on the comeback trail following the extended shutdowns enforced throughout 2020.

In December, once restrictions had been eased, the venue took the initiative to transform their carpark area into an outdoor stage, which would host gigs during the day on Saturdays and Sundays.

They went on to put on a number of successful shows, including a Christmas show from local legend Nick Charles, performing alongside fellow blues luminaries, Ian Collard and Jimi Hocking.

But their return has just hit a snag after a series of noise complaints in relation to their outdoor gigs caught the eye of the Moreland Council.

Following investigation, the Moreland Council found that the venue’s outdoor stage was a breach of the temporary permit they’d been issued to continue operating in a COVID-safe manner.

“The Lomond Hotel converted a private car park to seat patrons for outdoor dining,” a statement from the council says.

“This conversion is permitted without needing planning permission under the statewide permit exemptions designed to support businesses recover from shutdowns during the pandemic.

“We found a stage that was constructed to host live music gigs and unfortunately this is not allowed under the statewide permit exemptions.”

In response to Moreland Council’s intervention, The Lomond has launched a petition to allow them to continue hosting outdoor shows.

Given their outdoor gigs were happening only on weekends, and only up to 9pm, The Lomond feel as though they were operating within the regulations.

“At the end of the lengthy Victorian COVID-19 lock down, in December of 2020, the Lomond Hotel in Brunswick took the initiative to utilise their carpark area to allow and present local live music,” The Lomond’s change.org petition page says.

“Several successful and enjoyable events were held. However, we have now been informed that these must now cease, due to noise complaints from nearby residents.

“As part of these restrictions after COVID-19, the live music must finish by 9pm. This has always been the case, and has been strictly adhered to.

“Unfortunately, the minority has again got their way and these performances now must stop. I ask that you add your voice to all that object to this decision.”

At the time of writing, the petition had already garnered over 3,000 signatures just days after being launched.

Sign The Lomond’s petition here.

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