Warrnambool’s popular Laneway Bar will reopen this week after a short hiatus following noise complaints.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The pop-up venue was shut down on January 6 after police received dozens of noise complaints about the touring festival Coastal Jam, which spilled out into the car park to cater for 500 people.
The city council then suspended the permit for the usual Friday night event.
Laneway Bar proprietor Patrick O’Brien said Coastal Jam was a one-off event that was vastly different to the regular opening hours on Fridays.
“That was a festival with massive capacity and a huge sound system that was obviously undesirable for the community as it was too loud,” he said.
“After a short break we will return to the regular trading hours like we have in the past. Sunday was an isolated event and we won’t be doing anything like that ever again in that sort of space.”
Warrnambool City Council manager visitor economy David McMahon said council had issued a revised permit allowing the event to continue from Friday.
He said council had worked with event organisers, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation and the police to ensure a more comprehensive sound mitigation plan was adhered to.
“This will include EPA-listed measuring devices and sound absorbing treatments being installed, a strict 65dB sound level being enforced and that the event will reduce sound levels after midnight,” he said.
“These enhanced measures and inspections, as well as revised programming of acoustic artists, will help ensure the amenity is maintained for nearby residents and businesses.”
Mr McMahon said the event organisers were on probation for the remainder of the series of events.
“Council will carefully monitor and consult to ensure compliance,” he said.
“Although live music events are important to Warrnambool and help drive the city’s economy and liveability, it is important they don’t unreasonably impact on residential amenity.”
The Laneway Bar will kick off from 5pm on Friday.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.
