Sydney may be Australia’s financial and economic capital – our cosmopolitan centre in an age of globalization – but NSW’s antiquated licensing laws mean the city remains rooted in the past when it comes to the presentation of live music.
That may be about to change with draft laws set to make it easier for venues to put on entertainment, as The Sydney Morning Herald reported:
‘In draft changes made public this week, the State Government has proposed streamlining the process for venue operators seeking permission to host live performances.
“This is fantastic, not just for live music but for circuses, theatre, country shows surf clubs and fetes,” John Wardle, from the musicians’ section of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, said yesterday.
“It’s been a bit of a monoculture of broadcast sport and gambling in NSW for a long time now, which of course are exempt from entertainment regulation.
“We hope these new processes can be of real assistance to the performing arts, particularly at a grassroots level.”
The Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, yesterday released a draft State Environmental Planning Policy to change live music regulation laws.’
More information:
Summary of concerns compiled by John Wardle of the musicians’ section of the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance
**Photo: Claire in America
