The Struggle for Live Music in Tasmanian Pubs
Musicians across Tasmania are sounding the alarm about the future of live music in local pubs. With increasing noise complaints and the closure of key venues, it is becoming harder than ever to find a place to perform or enjoy live music.
Kim Phillips, who has spent decades performing in various bands in the southern part of the state, says that the opportunities she once had no longer exist. “What you have now is fewer venues that are actually hosting live music,” she said. “I often reach out to places and don’t even get a response, which was not the case before.”
Raymond Blizzard, a long-time figure in Hobart’s music scene, shares similar concerns. He believes that younger musicians are facing an uphill battle. “If the music scene continues to decline, we may see a generation of young people leaving because they can’t express themselves here.”
The challenges faced by the live music scene are multifaceted. Several key venues have closed in recent years, and those that remain are under pressure to manage noise complaints from nearby residents.
Venue Closures and Financial Pressures
One significant loss was the closure of Uni Bar on the University of Tasmania campus last year due to redevelopment. This was seen as a major setback for Hobart’s music community. The situation worsened when it was announced that Hobart Brewing Co would close due to the construction of the $1.13 billion AFL stadium on Macquarie Point.
Nick Devereux, the marketing manager at Hobart Brewing Co, has been involved in the music scene for over 20 years. He noted that while larger venues like Altar Bar and the Odeon Theatre are thriving, there are very few spaces suitable for smaller acts. “Right now, we’re in a period where the number of live music venues that can support these artists is at a low,” he said.
Financial pressures also play a role. A typical weekend gig at Hobart Brewing Co costs at least $2,000, which covers performers and production crew. Devereux added that many venues struggle to justify these costs, especially when audiences are less willing to spend on live music.
Noise Complaints and Community Tensions
Noise regulations in Tasmania aim to limit the impact of sound on residential areas. While there are no strict limits on how loud live music can be, it can still be deemed unreasonable based on its volume, intensity, and duration. These rules are typically enforced by councils and police.
A recent controversy involves the Salty Dog Hotel, a beachside pub in Kingston that hosts live music in its beer garden every weekend. A group of about 40 local residents has petitioned Kingborough Council to monitor the venue’s compliance with noise limits. One resident, Anneike, described the noise as intrusive and audible in neighboring homes. “The weekends are spoilt on Sunday afternoons because the music is too loud,” she said.
In response, the pub launched a counter-petition that received over 5,500 signatures from supporters of live music. Amy Wiles, a Tasmanian performer, praised the venue for its efforts to minimize noise. “I’ve seen the care they put into reducing the impact on neighbors by enforcing strict cut-off times and checking volume levels regularly,” she said.
Co-owner Adriano Mignanelli expressed disappointment over the petition but emphasized the pub’s commitment to being good neighbors. “We only host live acts between 5pm and 7pm on Fridays and from 3pm to 6pm on Sundays,” he said. “I just want some good music playing on a Sunday afternoon near the beach.”
Kingborough Council plans to address the petition regarding noise concerns at the Salty Dog Hotel during one of its future meetings.
Balancing Community Needs and Live Music
Nick Devereux acknowledged that managing noise complaints is a challenge for venues. “Certain types of music can have frequencies that shake people’s walls and rattle their glasses,” he said. “We don’t want to be the enemy of the community. We want everyone to come in, have a laugh, have a drink, and enjoy the music.”
He also pointed out that people living near established hospitality areas should expect some level of noise. “There are going to be things that come with that, and some of that is noise,” he said.
K. Verell, chief executive of Music Tasmania, highlighted that noise complaints and high insurance costs are putting additional stress on live music venues. They warned that this issue could become more pressing as higher-density housing developments are built near existing venues.
Verell suggested that Tasmania could learn from Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, where developers building near established venues are required to pay for all soundproofing measures.
Conclusion
The future of live music in Tasmanian pubs remains uncertain. As venues face closures, financial strain, and growing community tensions, the need for balanced policies and greater understanding between musicians and residents becomes increasingly important. Without support, the vibrant live music scene that once thrived in Tasmania may continue to fade.