NSW Live Music scene given new lease of life thanks to axing of PoPE
Monday, 26 October 2009
APRA|AMCOS welcomes the NSW government's abolition of special licences required for local venues to play live music.
Dean Ormston, Director, Corporate Services APRA|AMCOS said the abolition of the Place of Public Entertainment (PoPE) licences was good news for venues and for artists.
"By removing the need for development approval, the NSW government has effectively removed some of the biggest impediments to the NSW live music scene," Mr Ormston said.
"This is fantastic news for live music in NSW. We are very pleased that the government has replaced the PoPE licences with a much simpler and cheaper way to allow local venues the opportunity to host live music."
APRA|AMCOS has joined with the Australian Hotels Association, Clubs NSW, Restaurant & Catering Australia and the Music Council of Australia (MCA) in a campaign - The Live Music Revolution - to revitalise the Australian live music industry.
Mr Ormston said the Live Music Revolution sought to support the growth and viability of venues that host live music. It was based on a mutual interest in addressing the shrinking opportunities for punters to enjoy live music performances.
"We've all been working separately for a long time towards the same end - to put the 'live' back in live music and to promote the community, cultural and economic benefits of live music," he said.
"APRA|AMCOS was one of many organisations working closely with the NSW government. However it was the hard work, passion and commitment of individuals such as Mr John Wardle who deserve particular recognition.
"The NSW government's abolition of PoPE means that venues will no longer have to struggle to comply with onerous rules that have traditionally made the decision to host live entertainment difficult and expensive," Mr Ormston said.
The live music campaign will now focus on providing interested businesses with case studies of how live music can work in their business.
Mr Ormston concluded that live music was one of the easiest ways to differentiate businesses and it can be as simple as a guitarist or jazz trio - our advice, keep it live and keep it local."
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