Copyright theage
The changes, which come into effect on Saturday, aim to build on earlier reforms aimed at reviving the state’s night-time economy. Live entertainment such as music, comedy, theatre, book readings and other performances will be permitted outdoors, in addition to indoors, and will be able to be held at venues in all zones, including those in residential areas, without a development application, provided the venues comply with certain rules. The events must not start before midday, and they can take place up to twice a week. Performances must finish by 8pm in residential zones, and by 10pm in zones next to residential areas. In all other areas, events can run until midnight. There are also changes to exempt development standards, which previously did not allow a venue to increase its patron capacity if it offered outdoor dining. The reforms mean a venue or a registered club with approval for up to 100 patrons can increase its capacity by up to 20 per cent through outdoor dining without a development application. If a venue has approval for more than 100 patrons, it can boost its outdoor dining capacity by up to 15 per cent, or up to 50 patrons.
