Australia, Here Comes A BYO Live Music Venue

South Australia could set the trend for live entertainment in Australia if a new submission put forward by the Live Music Office, Musitec and MusicSA is approved, which calls for the creation of a live music venue BYO license. 

The proposal suggests that the license would allow managers of pubs and clubs to put their energy towards live music and or theatre entertainment, "without the burdensome responsibilities of running fully licensed premises."

According to a statement released by the Live Music Office today, the proposed license would allow patrons to provide their own alcohol in a venue with a capacity of less than 120 and RSA trained duty on staff at all times. 

Commenting on the proposal, Live Music Office Policy Director John Wardle said, "Changes to the National Construction Code for South Australia that come into effect from May 1 are leading the way nationally in cutting red tape for live music and performance venues."

"These new building rules will allow hospitality industry and small venues to host live entertainment without the extensive compliance required of theatres and assembly buildings, however there is still a question around planning responses to low risk entertainment.

"If the South Australian Development Regulations can table a clear direction on low risk entertainment that is exempt from requiring any planning approval at all, we would have a coordinated package across liquor licensing/planning controls/construction code that would provide more affordable and accessible entry level venue options for creative entrepreneurs, that would support in house concerts in music schools and record stores, pop-up events, and activate disused building stock for live performances."

The government is expected to respond to the submission by mid-year. 

If the submission is approved and proves to be a success, it would no doubt get fellow states talking, specifically Sydney, as its nightlife has taken a huge hit since the introduction of the lockout laws. 

While a local businessman this week penned a brilliant opinion piece about the demise of Sydney's social scene, Queensland citizens are currently battling the Labor government's plans to change existing lockout legislation. 

The Music has contacted the Live Music Office for further comment.