SA Govt cuts red tape for live music before midnight

The South Australian Government has introduced legislation which dispenses with Adelaide venues which close before midnight having to apply to host live music.

Deputy Premier John Rau announced changes to the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 and added, “[But] venues wishing to have live music after midnight will still be required to make an application.

“We believe these changes strike the right balance between protecting residents from noise issues and removing unnecessary and obstructionist red tape for our music and hospitality industry.”

The Government also released its response to the review of the Late Night Code, following its first year of operation. The review made 18 recommendations, 13 of which the Government has accepted.

The 3am lockout will remain for another year, and Sky City Casino and venues with restaurant licences will continue to be exempt.

Venues have to continue to provide public transport information to patrons and retain drink marshals and first aid attendants, and ensure that between midnight and 3am, patrons lining up to get in do not obstruct pedestrian traffic. They must also continue to operate CCTV during trading hours.

ID scanners remain compulsory but the Government will also further consult on matters as whether metal detectors should be used before midnight.

While the review recommended that free drinks, shots and glassware be banned from midnight rather than the current 4am, the Government has opted for a 2am start as fairer. Whether shots should be banned will be decided after consultation with the industry.

Rau said, “Since the introduction of the code we have seen a significant drop in alcohol related offences and anti-social behaviour in the CBD. There is no doubt the changes have had a significant impact and increased public safety.

“This review has highlighted the success of the code overall, but has suggested some tweaks to some elements of it.”

Australian Hotels Association SA President Ian Horne said the late-night code made it harder for businesses to survive.

"The report that the Government was given had some very strong, quite draconian recommendations [but] don't punish the masses for the sins of a few, pursue the few, kick them out of the industry if they don't play by the rules," he told the ABC.

The AHA has also slammed the exclusion of Adelaide Casino from the 3 am lockout as “unreasonable and illogical” and accused the Licensing Enforcement branch of sometimes demonstrating “pedantic policing” and “a lack of common sense application of the intention of The Code.

Image Source: Illy performing at The Gov