It’s a show that’s been more than two decades in the making but in less than two weeks time, Victoria is set to host its first all-ages gig following the red tape that’s been constricting Melbourne live music venues is cut loose.
Collingwood’s newly refurbished Gasometer Hotel will have the honour of being the first Melbourne pub in over 20 years to host an all-ages show, with an afternoon gig on Sunday 6th July, as part of this year’s Leaps And Bounds Festival.
The show will feature Client Liaison – purveyors of alt-electro and kitsch Australiana – alongside seven-piece soul-pop collective Animaux, with the invite proclaiming “bring your brothers and sisters and your mums and dads,” but just don’t bring the booze.
The Gasometer gig is set to be first to take advantage of legislative reforms set to be actioned at the start of next month.
From 1st July, amendments to Victoria’s Liquor Control Reform Act will mean that Melbourne’s live music venues can take advantage of a new alcohol-free all ages license. The reforms means the Victorian Commission of Gaming and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR) only need to be notified a week before an event or gig, updating the long list of costly and time-consuming requirements of the 2004 Act, while removing fees and a lengthy application process.
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As discussed in our opinion piece on the topic, unlike other Australian states that have been free to run all ages shows, Victoria has been hamstrung by outdated laws in the 2004 Acct which didn’t provide much incentive for venues to apply for unerage shows, including lodging applications – at $178 a pop – with 45 days advance notice, 10pm curfews, and expenses for one ‘crowd controller’ per 100 minors.
The reforms arrive after a nearly two-year long push by Music Victoria and (fittingly) The Push, in the Victorian Government’s series of Live Music Roundtable discussions, breaking some ground last June before pronouncing a “massive outcome” last November when the VCGLR agreeing to introduce the new all ages license – as long as venues locked away the liquor for the show.
‘’So many people now playing or working in the music industry first got the bug seeing an all ages show in the 80s and 90s, so Music Victoria is thrilled that today’s generation of youngsters will be afforded the same opportunities,” says Music Victoria CEO Patrick Donovan in a statement today.
“It makes sense that young people can experience the joys – and responsibilities – of a live music experience with the support of older siblings and parents in a safe, supervised environment.”
Client Liaison and special guests Animaux
Sunday 6th July – The Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood VIC
2.30pm – 6pm. This is an alcohol-free event – all ages welcome.
Tickets $10 (b/f+) through Oztix, or at the door if available.
Part of the Leaps And Bounds Festival 2014
(Photo: Push Over 2012. Source: The Push)
