Calls to open Victoria's live music venues to minors
A decades old ban on minors watching live music, while adults are being served alcohol, could be lifted under proposed changes to liquor licensing regulations in Victoria.
The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation is considering submissions on changes to underage music shows in the state's licensed venues.
Licensed all ages shows have been banned in Victoria for the last 20 years and unlicensed all ages shows are required to meet strict conditions, including police approval.
The push for changes to the underage music scene is being led by Victoria's music industry and venues.
Licensed all ages shows have been banned in Victoria for the past 20 years.
Chief Executive of Music Victoria, Patrick Donovan says relaxing restrictions on underage shows would benefit everyone.
"I mean it's already happening at all of the sporting events, a number of festivals, a number of big shows at Rod Laver Arena and Festival hall, so we feel like the underage music industry has been discriminated against," he said.
Mr Donovan believes the commission's review is a once in a lifetime opportunity to reform the industry.
"The problem is there are very small margins to run gigs anyway, so if you can't sell alcohol then there are no profits for the venues so that's got to be factored in," he said.
The Northcote Social Club is a popular small to medium sized venue in Melbourne's inner north.
Its managing director Andrew Mansfield has made a submission to the commission.
He wrote that serving alcohol at an all ages gig is not a major sticking point for them, it is the regulations that turns clubs off hosting the shows.
"Removing roadblocks to having operators consider this type of event should be seen as a positive step," he said.
"Love of music and live performance shared with others regardless of age is something that should be fostered."
Mr Mansfield says all options should be considered, including the sale of alcohol in the presence of minors.
"If safety is addressed, then I believe there are significant benefits to having supervised interaction in an all ages environment to encourage minors to experience it, in a non-harmful environment and age groups, they will be interacting with once they do turn 18," he said.
A spokesman for the Victorian Liquor and Gaming Minister says any license change will be considered when the submissions to the Liquor Regulation Commission close next week.
Source: ABC News, 14 June 2013
