Melb’s 7-year liquor licence ban lifted for small music venues

Following Music Victoria’s CEO Patrick Donovan advocating for an exemption on the ban that’s stopped live music venues serving alcohol past 1am, Melbourne’s late night liquor ban has been relaxed.

Donovan, along with the Liquor Control Advisory Council’s Freeze sub-committee, had been pushing against the laws which were put in place in 2008.

The ban, which stopped new boutique bars and live music venues serving alcohol past 1am, will be lifted for venues with 200 patrons or less from July 1.

Announced on Sunday by Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor RegulationJane Garrett, the new regulation applies to venues in the Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington and Yarra council areas.

“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to ensuring a safe and responsible drinking culture while also supporting a vibrant nightlife in our city,” said Garrett.

Venues must apply for an exemption from July 1, and it will granted provided they have the backing of local councils.

Venues with a capacity of more than 200 patrons won't be eligible for the exemptions and will wear the freeze until 2019.

The news arrived in the same week that Victoria’s Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley launched Rowland S Howard Lane in St Kilda (on Thursday), and Jane Garrett announced a $250,000 attenuation grant scheme for live music venues (on Friday).

Announced at Cherry Bar in Melbourne's iconic AC/DC Lane, the Live Music Attenuation Assistance Program will help live venue owners and operators pay for soundproofing. Venue owners can apply to be reimbursed for soundproofing works completed or contracted between 4 September 2010 and 4 September 2014.