Australian music fans and lawmakers clash over festival sceneDont Kill Live Music

Australian music fans and lawmakers clash over festival scene

In response to several deaths at local music festivals attributed to drug overdoses, the Australian New South Wales government has decided to buckle down on festival regulations with costly new measures that have caused the an uproar among the Aussie music scene. New South Wales’ live music market is the biggest in the country and the announcement has prompted both music fans and festival industry leaders to protest.

Beginning March 1, the new rules require festivals to individually apply for liquor permits and meet strict safety standards that include providing clear evidence of safety measures in an effort to create the country’s “first music festival-free zone.” Despite criticisms voiced by figures like Peter Noble, director of Byron Bay Bluesfest, New South Wales premier Gladys Berejiklian had no hesitation stating, “You can’t just make a quick dollar without thinking of the safety of young people.” Simultaneously, even political parties have been chiming in as well in light of the upcoming state election. As the status of the live music scene remains shaky, Australia’s beloved festival scene will remain a point of contention for everyone alike.

H/T: Rolling Stone

Photo credit: @Four Minutes to Midnight

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