A noise complaint aimed at a new Dunedin venue in an iconic location raises questions about the future of live music in the city, an advocacy group says.<\/p>\n
The Cellar confirmed on social media they had received the complaint on Sunday after hosting three Dunedin acts at their wine bar.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We had our first complaint delivered before 7pm on Sunday, while we held a Sunday Session with three local acts playing \u2014 families with children were there,\u2019\u2019 they said.<\/p>\n
The three month-old venue was previously known as the Old Beneficiary Hall, and it hosted several important acts in New Zealand music history: The Clean played their first gig there in 1977, while Chris Knox showcased his act The Enemy.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018The event [on Sunday] was not loud compared to the many events I have hosted, worked at or attended over many years.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018I measure noise \u2014 that is how we work\u00a0 because we care.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The Cellar noted the noise control officer serving the notice was polite and \u2018\u2018just doing his job\u2019\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Dunedin has come a long way since the 1970s, like our venue has.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It seems 45 years later our venue can no longer showcase Dunedin\u2019s new and independent talent, even on a Sunday afternoon before 7pm.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The owner, who declined to be named, said it was a \u2018\u2018bit of a setback\u2019\u2019 to receive a formal notice, as three notices are the trigger for arbitration.<\/p>\n
He hoped to host more local bands and DJs at the venue this week and in the future.<\/p>\n
The owner said he realised his premise traded as a wine bar, so had lower maximum noise levels, but felt fortunate to host so much.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018 We know they’re short on venues in Dunedin, and we thought we’d do the right thing.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Save Dunedin Live Music group spokesman David Bennett said he was aware of the complaint being lodged and found it disappointing.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It just shows that with all the work we have done to try to foster a live music environment in the city; there is still a long way to go.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We’ve done a lot of work with the council on getting the allowable acoustic levels right in all parts of Dunedin so that people can enjoy their entertainment.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018This recent noise complaint sets a bad precedent.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Mr Bennett said the group would work with council to resolve the situation.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It\u2019s incredibly hurtful receiving such a complaint because it could have further impacts on your licence to host gigs, and even serve alcohol.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018We would like to see a good outcome.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
Music promoter Natasha Griffiths said whenever this kind of noise complaint happened, it sent shockwaves through the music community.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Usually because they tend to be quite ridiculous, like 6.50pm on a Sunday evening, for a family gig, in town.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018It is a reminder of how tenuous our music scene is. Our venues work so hard to provide essential spaces.<\/p>\n
\u2018\u2018Our musicians need them, and so do our audiences.. Everyone is at the mercy of one person deciding something is bothering them.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n
The Dunedin City Council has been approached for comment.<\/p>\n