Melbourne venue calls on state government to reduce live music permit wait times

A petition launched by Melbourne venue The Night Cat is calling on the Victorian Government to make it easier for venues to host live music outdoors.

Hosted on change.org, the petition has been signed by more than 1,200 signatories at the time of publication. Venue management is specifically asking the State Government and Yarra City Council to reduce the turnaround time for outdoor amplified live music permits, which they claim can take a minimum of three months.

"We appreciate that this has been an unprecedented time for everyone involved and local councils are doing their best to accommodate and pivot with the changing circumstances," a statement from the venue read.

"We want to ensure that live music doesn’t get lost or forgotten in the sea of restriction changes and that we are advocated for and supported.

"We have written consent from all of our surrounding neighbours and as we enter warmer weather, now is the ideal time for outdoor performances."

Earlier this week, the Victorian Government announced a $17.2 million package for the arts sector, $5 million of which will be allocated towards live music gigs across the state. It is expected to create roughly 2,000 jobs in the creative and event industries.

The announcement followed the decision from Premier Daniel Andrews over the weekend to allow indoor entertainment venues to reopen.