Music lovers and the bar industry are celebrating a massive licensing victory this week with the announcement that the special licence required for live music performances (known as the PoPE or Place of Public Entertainment licence) has been scrapped by the state Government.

The costs associated with the PoPE licence have made it prohibitive for small venues, such as cafes or wine bars, to have a musician performing in their venue. The Sydney Morning Herald reported yesterday that from Monday, 26^th October, “no licence will be required provided live music is not the venue’s primary purpose.”

The move has been welcomed by bars and performers alike, who both believed the archaic licensing laws were hindering “creative expression in Sydney.”

Music licensing association APRA|AMCOS also welcomes the NSW government’s abolition of PoPE licences.

Dean Ormston, Director, Corporate Services said: “By removing the need for development approval, the NSW government has effectively removed some of the biggest impediments to the NSW live music scene. We are very pleased that the government has replaced the PoPE licences with a much simpler and cheaper way to allow local eateries and watering holes the opportunity to host live music.”

Mr Ormston concluded that live music was one of the easiest ways to differentiate businesses and it can be as simple as a guitarist or jazz trio - our advice, keep it live and keep it local.”