WHAT began as a discussion on a Facebook page has become a determined campaign to reinstate Saturday night live music at Batemans Bay’s Bayview Hotel.
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Petitions in CBD businesses are collecting signatures after live music was terminated due to complaints from a nearby resident about noise.
The Eurobodalla’s Amber Pickett, 25, started a Facebook page which has triggered a groundswell of support for beer garden music.
“It’s the only thing here,” she said.
Batehaven resident and university student Rebecca Douglas printed and distributed the petition.
A Batemans Bay CBD businessman, who asked to remain anonymous, said killing the music was “terrible for the town.”
“It affects late-night trading, including the taxis,” he said.
“We have had to cut back on staff because we haven’t got the income.
“People come here from out of town for sporting events and the like and ask us ‘what’s going on? Why is there no music? What do you do here?’,” he said.
“They say they won’t be back to Batemans Bay.
“It affects the caravan parks and motels, and flows on to everyone.”
The petition expresses concern over the safety of young people and the wider community in the town:
“With no Saturday night entertainment, it is also opening the community up for a vastly increased number of violent house parties, under-age drinking and illegal raves where there is no licence holder to supervise and protect our community’s members,” the petition declared.
Police said they had received complaints about noise from a licensed venue in the Batemans Bay CBD.
“This has been referred to the Office of Liquor, Gaming & Racing, which has imposed temporary restrictions on the licence in regards to the provision of live and amplified entertainment,” a police spokesman said.
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