Clubbing Together

Live music venues and nightclubs in two Australian states are under fire as authorities try to curb alcohol-fueled violence.

In Victoria, small venues that showcase live acts are told to employ security guards, which can cost $250 an hour each.

A letter from the local live music industry to the Consumer Affairs Minister said that the move should target only larger venues, which typically have more violent incidents.

“The government must ensure that the law is proportionate to its intended purpose and does not unduly impact on small local venues to the detriment of the cultural life of the local community,” the letter read in part.

The Queensland government froze all new applications to extend trading hours for the next 12 months. About 125 applications are before the Liquor Licensing Commission.