Caught in the act: the impact of liquor regulation on original live music activity in Perth, Western Australia.

This paper presents a case study on the tensions present between the regulation of liquor regulation and the ways in which contemporary music venues are able to support local original contemporary music activity in Western Australia. It draws on qualitative semi-structured interviews with the owners, managers and bookers of ten live music venues in order to explore the ways in which their operations are impacted, not only by the Liquor Control Act (1988), but how it is administered and applied in-situ. As this paper argues, this application and in-situ enactment, does not allow for the flexibility the sector needs in order to meet demands, and ultimately results in a failing of the Act in being able to adequately support live original music activity, one of its secondary objectives. Recommendations such as areas in need of further research, as well as changes to the administration of the LCA which can support a more open and supportive dialogue and policies between government and industry are also made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]