Victoria Finally Opens The Door For All Ages Gigs

The Victorian Government will introduce a number of reforms early next year to allow all ages shows in the state.

Liquor regulations currently restrict Victorian gigs to over 18 or underage entry, but Victorian Minister for Liquor & Gaming Regulation Edward O'Donohue announced at the Music Victoria Awards last night that the Liberal government will implement a number of recommendations made by the Victorian Live Music Roundtable discussions.

The amendments to the Liquor Control Act will include the creation of a new category for alcohol-free youth events for punters aged between 12 and 25 years. They will also implement a new fast-track application for low-risk underage events and aim to reduce the costs to venues through changes to the standard conditions required.

The time and cost associated with de-licensing a licensed venue for an underage show had been identified as a major hurdle to the scene and these amendments are expected to half the application time.

Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan said the announcement was “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.”

Richard Moffat, who books festivals such as Splendour In The Grass and Falls as well as Melbourne venues The Corner Hotel and Northcote Social Club, said “I can't 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 in the '80s and the main reason I now work with so many musicians I have admired and loved.”

Last year theMusic.com.au investigated the plight of Victorian live music shows and found the system inherently broken.

“It's a ridiculous situation,” said 360 and The Living End's manager Rae Harvey at the time. “It's such a shame Victoria has become such a nanny state and it's leading more of today's teenagers to stay indoors listening to music on their computers instead. I can't think of one fight or incident that occurred during those all-ages events, by the way.”

These reforms to the Control Act is expected to go a long way in changing that.

Moffat added, “For many years Melbourne has had these troubling, restricting laws that have effectively 'ghettoised' entertainment for teenagers. It has meant parents cannot see bands they love with their kids… older brothers and sisters not being able to attend with their younger siblings.

“It has had no value to anyone and nearly destroyed band's ability to play to a significant audience that has wanted to see them.”

The Live Music Roundtable included consultation with the Victorian Government, Victorian Police, local government, licensees and representatives of the contemporary music industry.

Recent reports onto contemporary live music from Sydney and Adelaide will hope to achieve similar outcomes in the coming months and years.

The announcement was made during the new-look Music Victoria Awards, which Paul Kelly and The Drones pick up multiple awards.