Fewer Ipswich venues will need an entertainment venue licence under new Council laws.
Health, Security and Community Safety Committee Chairperson Cr Sheila Ireland said a review by the Entertainment Venue Councillor Working Group recommended changes to licensing.
Cr Ireland said Council currently issued 80 licenses under three categories: low risk (11 – gaming and amusement parlours, gyms, indoor sports), medium risk (23 – community halls, cinemas, other venues with no liquor licensing) and high risk (46 – outdoor entertainment venue and any venue with liquor licensing).
“The Entertainment Venue CWG recommended to continue to licence entertainment venues but would reduce the scope of what would require a licence,” she said.
Licenses would be needed for:
- Any venue that has a liquor licence and has live entertainment with amplified music, unless determined a low risk (small band playing while guests eat, not a regular event);
- Identified event venues: Willowbank Raceway, Queensland Raceway, halls where entertainment goes beyond 10pm, Ivory’s Rock Conference and Event Centre, Ipswich Turf Club, and showgrounds (Ipswich, Rosewood, Marburg).
“Based on current entertainment venue licences issued, this would mean potentially half of those venues who currently require a licence wouldn’t anymore,” Cr Ireland said.
“While there may be a reduction in licence revenue for entertainment venues, there is also a reduction in expenses for Council in administering and inspecting those venues.
“The recommendations would require amendments to Council local laws and its fees and charges. It is hoped the changes to the Local Laws will be finalised before the next licence renewals go out in May 2018. ”
Cr Ireland said the review by the CWG ran parallel to another on footpath dining, however recommendations for the latter had yet to be finalised.
