The Victorian Music Industry has had a win over liquor licensing laws. The Premier of Victoria John Brumby has announced his Government will compromise and back down on the new rules that have forced the closure of Melbourne music venues.
The decision comes on the Eve of a major protest with thousands of people expected to gather around Parliament House in Melbourne today to protest the laws.Instead, the gathering will now become a victory rally.
The laws were changed earlier this year to combat alcohol related violence in inner Melbourne around nightclubs but the repercussions were that the smaller live music clubs were faced with huge increases in licensing fees and added security.
It simply buckled them and they fell over.
One of the casualties of the changes in the law was the iconic The Tote in Collingwood. Over the years, everyone from local unsigned bands through to the White Stripes had performed at the venue.
However the decision has come too late for former Licensee Bruce Milne who won’t reopen the pub but has not disregarded someone else taking it over.
Part of today’s rally will include a re-enactment of the AC/DC ‘It’s A Long Way To The Top’ video that was originally filmed in Swanston Street, Melbourne on the back of a truck in 1975. The Rockwiz Orchestra lead by Brian Nankervis and Julia Zemiro will perform the song for the cameras.
