Backing live music, local pubs and Tasmanian jobs

A new proposal from the Rockliff Liberal Government would give pubs and clubs a strong financial incentive to host live music, creating more opportunities for Tasmanian musicians and encouraging more people back into local venues.

Acting Premier Bridget Archer will write to the Australian Government proposing a Tasmanian Live Music Excise Rebate Pilot that will provide participating venues with a rebate worth 50 per cent of their verified expenditure on live music.

“This initiative would support the hospitality industry and back Tasmania's live music scene,” Acting Premier Archer said.

"Tasmanians love live music and they love their local pub - this proposal is about supporting both.

"We want to see local venues rewarding for investing in musicians, creating local jobs and bringing communities together."

Under the proposal, pubs, hotels and clubs would be able to claim a rebate equal to 50 per cent of what they spend on live performers and associated live music costs.

Acting Premier Archer said the policy is about encouraging more venues to put on more gigs and making it economically viable.

"This incentive means the more a venue invests in live music, the more support it will receive,” Acting Premier Archer said.

"More live music means more people through the door, more customers in town, more activity in our regions and more opportunities for local businesses.

"It means jobs for musicians, work for sound technicians and stronger local economies."

Tasmania is the ideal place to trial the concept, and the proposal has been put to the Australian Government.

"This is an innovative idea that brings together the arts, hospitality and tourism sectors,” Acting Premier Archer said.

"It's about supporting local jobs, strengthening our economy and making sure live music continues to thrive across Tasmania."