Balancing Vibrant Nightlife with Fair and Practical Noise Regulations

SUPPORTING LIVE MUSIC: The current liquor licensing laws are silencing our local venues and artists! 🎵

Music has been a big part of my life since I was 14, and I know firsthand how important it is to our community. As a local MP, small business owner, musician, and proud supporter of live music, I’ve seen the profound impact current liquor licensing laws are having on our venues, artists, and creative economy.

The problems we’re facing: 🔊 Live acts forced to stay within unrealistic 75 decibel caps – often exceeded by passing traffic 💰 Expensive acoustic reports and infrastructure upgrades many small venues can’t afford 👂 Just one complaint can shut down live music at a venue 📋 Vague terms like “unreasonable noise” applied inconsistently

The result? Venues are giving up. Gigs are being cancelled. Musicians are losing work. Our communities are losing part of their cultural identity.

I’ve spoken directly with venues and musicians across the electorate. The message is clear: current laws are hurting live music.

What we need:

✅ Review of entertainment and noise provisions under the Liquor Act 1992

✅ Stronger occupancy principle protecting established venues

✅ Simplified licensing for small-scale live music venues

✅ Higher complaint threshold before formal intervention

✅ Direct engagement between complainants and venues

Far North Queensland is bursting with talent and stories that deserve to be heard – not silenced.