The Wire

If you’re under-age music fan, you may have bought all your favourite band’s albums, but chances are you won’t be able to see them play live unless they do an all ages gig. But if you’re under 18 and you live in Melbourne – you probably won’t be going to a gig in a while. Although it’s not an official policy, the Liquor Licensing Commission will no longer grant de-licensing for venues to hold under-age gigs in the CBD, following a violent altercation between two people and a bouncer at an underage dance party. A spokesperson for the Commission said the halt was temporary, and although there’s no indication when approvals will begin again, it should be within 12 months. Blair Manie of VIC Music says there was little consultation before the decision was made and VIC Music are fighting the current ban. A working party consisting of the police, the Liquor Licensing Commission and five venues has been put together to look at safety issues dealing with young people at these gigs. But in the meantime the Arthouse, just one of the affected venues, has had to cancel five upcoming shows. Michael Atkin spoke to Tommy Dawson of Sydney Ska-punk band, Bagster, who had an underage show cancelled at the last minute on a recent Melbourne tour. He also spoke to Blair Manie from VIC Music.

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