Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by Councillor Scully –

It is resolved that:

(A)        Council note:

(i)          the existence of hundreds of archaic restrictions on live music, dancing and other entertainment within the state governments liquor licensing framework;

(ii)         clauses written into NSW liquor licences commonly forbid live entertainment, with some restricting the type of music that can be played, banning dance floors or even stipulating the direction bands must face;

(iii)        the City of Sydney is committed to fostering culture and creativity as set out in our 'Live Music and Performance Action Plan';

(iv)       earlier this year, a cross-parliamentary committee said "unnecessary" restrictions on live music should be scrapped and, in its formal response last week, the government agreed;

(v)         restrictions on live music impact Sydney's ability to be a vibrant, fun 24-hour city;

(vi)       the NSW Labor opposition has given notice of the 'Right to Play Music' Bill this week with the government signalling in principle support; and

(vii)      the Bill will allow the City of Sydney to seek to remove restrictions on live music in the City of Sydney for the public good;

(B)        the Chief Executive Officer be requested to prepare a submission supporting the Bill; and

(C)       the Lord Mayor be requested to write to the Premier urging her to support the bill.

Carried unanimously.

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