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Media Releases |
Media Release - Minister's Office Sydney: 23 October, 2009 NSW GOVERNMENT BRINGS THE MUSIC BACK Changes which come into effect from Monday will make it cheaper and easier for clubs, pubs, cafés and restaurants to host live music. Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today announced that the NSW Government will abolish special licenses required for local venues to play live music. “The abolition of the Place of Public Entertainment licenses mean local eateries and watering holes no longer need development approval if they want to host live bands or musicians,” Ms Keneally said. “The new legislation comes into effect from Monday. It is designed to bring back live music to NSW’s clubs, pubs, cafés and restaurants.
“These changes will help the state’s talented young performers get their careers going by opening up a host of new venues from which they can build a fan base.” Minister Assisting the Premier on Arts, Virginia Judge, said the new legislation was exciting news for musicians and venues alike. “Removing POPE license requirements will breathe new life into venues and communities across the state and provide musicians with more opportunities to showcase their talents,” Ms Judge said. “It will finally put live music on a level playing field with other types of entertainment, like sporting matches and trivia nights, giving venues and musicians a fair go. “It means that it will be easier for our pubs, clubs, cafés or restaurants to feature a band, jazz trio, poetry reading or comedy act. “I want New South Wales to be buzzing with the sound of live music this summer.” Ms Keneally said the changes followed an extensive consultation process. “Abolition of POPE licenses which come into effect from Monday, and follow consultation with councils, police, industry associations, venue operators, communities, venue patrons and musicians,” Ms Keneally said. “The Government has established a Reference Group with representatives from the Department of Planning, Local Government and Shires Association and the Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing. “This Reference Group will assist both councils and venues to effectively implement the new legislation.” |