I AM horrified that the Tote Hotel in Collingwood has closed its doors in response to a ludicrous bureaucratic situation which has forced this thriving music venue into a position of economic unsustainability. I can safely speak on behalf of Melbourne's enormous community of musicians and music enthusiasts, who understand the importance of this institution to Melbourne's flourishing and prosperous music scene.
It's easy for councils to pay lip service to the importance of rock music to the cultural vitality of Melbourne by naming a lane after AC/DC, but stronger action is now required to prevent the Tote's fate befalling other inner-city venues, and to ensure that Melbourne does not suffer the same fate as Sydney, where similarly knuckle-headed decision-making has all but obliterated live music venues.
The stranglehold Liquor Licensing Victoria seems to have over venues like the Tote needs serious and immediate revision, as does its categorisation of the Tote as a ''high risk'' venue despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. The prevention of alcohol-fuelled violence is a serious and important issue, but one that has nothing to do with the Tote Hotel.
Issued by The Age 16th January 2010
http://www.theage.com.au/national/letters/knuckleheaded-decisions-20100115-mcj0.html
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