Time is running out for licensees in New South Wales to request a free review to remove or vary outdated or irrelevant licence conditions for live music and entertainment.
In December Liquor and Gaming NSW said it was waiving the usual $110 fee to make a change to a licence condition and that it was streamlining processes for some applications in order to deliver faster outcomes. The cut off for eligible venues to submit the application is 28 February, meaning there are just over two weeks remaining to submit applications.
“The NSW Government is committed to streamlining regulation of licensed venues to help create safe, diverse and vibrant entertainment options,” Liquor and Gaming NSW said.
“Some licences have historically had conditions imposed relating to music and other live entertainment that restricted the genres of music a venue can offer as well as the types of instruments played and number of performers allowed on stage.
“In many cases, these types of conditions were imposed many years ago due to specific issues arising at a venue at the time. Venues may also have nominated particular types of entertainment when applying for a liquor licence, with the details listed as conditions of the licences ever since.
“These conditions often now serve no valid purpose and can unnecessarily prevent venues from offering new and different types of live entertainment. For example, ‘a country and western only’ music condition would prevent a bar from offering jazz nights or playing 80s music for birthday parties.
“Such conditions are no longer imposed on liquor licences.”
The public will still have the opportunity to comment on any proposals to remove or vary conditions through the Application Noticeboard. Local police, councils and neighbouring premises within 50 metres will be notified of a request being made, with noticeboard periods ranging from 14-30 days depending on the type of condition being reviewed.
Licensees can apply for a review via the Liquor and Gaming NSW website.