Inquiry told liquor laws destroying live music in Sydney

A NSW State Parliament inquiry has been told live music is on the verge of extinction in Sydney due to poker machines, restrictive liquor laws and planning rules.

The inquiry into the state of the music and arts economy, which received 394 submissions, was formed to assess the NSW government’s progress in reviving Sydney’s nightlife following the implementation of lockout laws to combat alcohol-related violence.

The closure of Sydney’s iconic The Basement (above) this week was used as an example of the major difficulties facing Sydney’s live music scene. The venue, which first opened its doors in 1972, has hosted music greats such as Prince, Galapagos Duck, Vince Jones and Dizzy Gillespie, but is slated to become office space.

Committee member John Graham, Upper House MLC, said The Basement had been described as “the beating heart of Sydney’s live music scene”.

“In the city of Sydney area we have lost 61% of venues over 10 years,” he said. “It’s our oldest licensed music venue ... if this was London and they have had these sorts of problems with venue closures, this would be declared an asset of community value and protected.

“Is this the sort of approach which has been considered in NSW? Have we looked at London and the approach they have taken. Can you give us any information about that approach?

“I’d have to take it on notice,” Create NSW acting executive director of strategy policy Tarek Barakat said.

Graham also noted that Music NSW gives out $455,000 in grants to contemporary NSW musicians, while in Victoria the equivalent figure was $22.2 million.

In a submission to the inquiry, Music NSW managing director Emily Collins said: “What used to be considered a thriving industry in NSW is now often derided — not just by local industry and audiences in NSW, but across Australia and internationally.

“The overarching perception is that we’ve killed off our industry, there’s no thriving scene here, and you’re better off moving somewhere else that actually supports and appreciates music.”

Prior to giving evidence at the inquiry, singer-songwriter Dave Faulkner told Fairfax Media: “Sydney has spent so much energy destroying its claim to be a hub of anything other than real estate and wowserism." 

The Lansdowne Fifteen, whose members include Oxford Arts Factory founder Mark Gerber and anti-lockout group Keep Sydney Open, said the regulatory environment had contributed to a 40% decline in attendance revenue at live music venues in Sydney’s CBD in recent years.

The Lansdowne Fifteen said the NSW government was “currently falling short” in its obligation to foster creativity and recommended easing planning rules for small arts venues, improving public transport, cutting red tape and appointing a minister for the night-time economy.

Graham also pointed out that a Sydney Night-Time Economy Roundtable — Action Plan August 2016 called for major reviews, including a upgrade to transport after dark, but no progress had been made.