The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation has released a paper on underage live music events in licensed venues and is seeking feedback in order to alleviate the problems that licenced venues face when holding underage events.
In the early ’80s to late ’90s Victoria had a vivacious live music scene which was available for anyone to enjoy, irrespective of age. The music was easy to access and the youths had their passions fulfilled.
Back then, laws were not as ridged as they are today. Now, in order to hold an under age or all ages event, a venue must obtain a permit to “de-licence” the venue, which costs $183 and can take up to 45 days to be received. The cost of the permit is higher and the turnaround time is longer in Victoria when compared with other states.
Today, the music scene is far less accessible to those under 18, which makes it much harder for the music industry to flourish.
Victoria, as the music capital of Australia, needs to band together. Venues, promoters and organisers alike. We should not hold back in what we believe. Music Victoria and venues across Victoria are standing up and speaking out about this.
Why can’t we, a state of music lovers, be like our sister states?
This is unfair to all musicians and young people in Victoria and the laws need to be reviewed. Let’s give the live music back to the kids so that they can enjoy it at an intimate venue where the music belongs.
Submissions to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation must be made by 5pm, 18 June 2013. More information the paper and how to make a submission can be found HERE on the Commission’s website.
– Photo by Nelli Scarlet
