Live Music in Tasmania: Venue Closures and Noise Disputes Spark Industry Concern
Multiple musicians with decades of experience in the Tasmanian music scene have stated that fewer pubs are hosting live acts compared to past years.
Musicians and venue operators across Tasmania are reporting a significant decline in opportunities for live music performances in pubs. They cite the closure of several key venues and increasing noise complaints from nearby residents as major contributing factors. This situation has sparked community petitions both for and against live music at one prominent hotel and prompted industry calls for policy changes to protect existing venues.
Reported Decline in Performance Opportunities
Kim Phillips, a singer based in southern Tasmania, reported that venues which previously responded to booking inquiries are no longer doing so.
Raymond Blizzard, involved in the Hobart music scene for over 20 years, stated it is currently very difficult for new musicians to enter the industry. He expressed concern that a continued decline could lead to a generation of young people leaving Tasmania due to a lack of creative opportunities.
Recent Venue Closures
Several established music venues in Hobart have recently closed or announced impending closure.
- Hobart Brewing Co. announced it will close following the approval of a $1.13 billion AFL stadium at Macquarie Point.
- Uni Bar in Hobart, which had operated since 1976, closed in 2025.
Nick Devereux, marketing manager at Hobart Brewing Co., described the current number of venues suitable for smaller musical acts as low. He noted that a typical weekend gig at his venue cost at least $2,000 for performer and production crew payments, a significant financial outlay.
Noise Regulations and Community Dispute
Tasmania has regulations that limit noise in residential neighborhoods from sound systems and musical instruments. There are no specific decibel limits for live music; instead, noise can be deemed unreasonable based on its volume, intensity, duration, and the circumstances. These regulations are generally enforced by local councils and police.
A specific dispute has arisen regarding The Salty Dog Hotel in Kingston:
- Approximately 40 residents presented a petition to the Kingborough Council requesting formal noise monitoring at the venue.
- A resident named Anneike stated that music from the hotel is clearly audible within neighboring homes and affects weekend afternoons.
- In response, the hotel launched a counter-petition supporting live music, which received more than 5,500 signatures.
Venue operator's perspective: Co-owner Adriano Mignanelli stated the pub hosts live acts only between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM on Fridays and 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on Sundays. He expressed a desire to work with the council on communication and potential noise mitigation measures. Performer Amy Wiles stated the venue enforces strict cut-off times and conducts regular volume checks.
Council response: Kingborough Council stated it will address the petition at a future meeting.
Industry Analysis and Suggested Solutions
K. Verell, chief executive of Music Tasmania, identified noise complaints and high insurance costs as key stressors for live music venues.
- Verell noted that higher-density residential developments near established entertainment precincts could increase noise-related conflicts.
- They suggested Tasmania consider policy mechanisms similar to those used in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley area, where developers building near existing venues are required to pay for soundproofing.
Nick Devereux of Hobart Brewing Co. commented that managing noise complaints is a challenge for venues and that certain music frequencies can affect nearby properties. He also noted that people who choose to live near established hospitality precincts should expect some level of noise.