Preventing harm from alcohol-related violence is crucial. However, live
music mitigates violence: it does not cause it and the government’s own
studies agree*. Live music must be addressed as part of a commitment to a
strong and robust music culture, not just an issue considered within liquor
licensing.
The Greens’ four simple steps can save live music.
- Target violence, not talent: Make the trigger/s for special licence conditions a history of violence, levels of alcohol consumption, late night operations or patron numbers, NOT the presence of live or amplified music.
- Strike the right balance: Liquor licensing policies and laws should support the aims of a state Live Music Policy, which . should make it clear that changes to licence conditions MUST be assessed for their impact on the viability of live music venues as well as reducing alcohol related violence.
- Give live music the attention it deserves: As a major feature of Melbourne’s culture, protecting and promoting live music should be a key job for the Arts and Tourism Ministers. They should create a forum where all parts of the Live Music community can be a sounding board for proposed changes to licence conditions.
- Abandon the 2am lockout: The state government has a law before the parliament to introduce a 2am lockout. The Greens oppose this because the trial simply didn’t work, leaving people wandering the streets and making everyone less safe.
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