Amplified music venue licence – Southport

We regulate amplified music venues within the Southport Special Entertainment Precinct to protect indoor residential amenity while supporting a live music hub.

You need a licence from us to operate an amplified music venue if:

  • You are within a core area of the Southport Special Entertainment Precinct.
  • Amplified music is a key element of your business
  • Emissions of amplified music exceed LCeq 65dB

Core areas are identified in section 1.6(6) of the City Plan.

For temporary or outdoor events within the Southport Special Entertainment Precinct visit Deliver an event on the Gold Coast

Licences are valid until 31 August each year and are renewed annually. There are no fees for a new licence or for licence renewal. For more information visit Permits & licensing renewals

Taking over an existing business

Current amplified music venue licences can be transferred to a new operator.

Complying with regulations

You and your staff are responsible for complying with all requirements of the relevant legislation. Refer to Related information for a full copy of the relevant local laws.

How to apply

Choose from one of the options below to apply for an amplified music venue licence.

Development approval

We recommend you contact us on 1300 465 326 for advice on whether you will need development approval from us. Make sure your site has the appropriate approval before submitting your application.

Depending on the type, size and intended use of any permanent buildings and structures, building approval and certification from a building certifier may also be required.

By email

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • Copy of your Office of Gaming and Liquor Regulation (OLGR) licence, including the licence conditions.
  • Floor plans of premises including:
    • Structural details
    • Layout, design and appearance
    • All internal and outdoor areas (identify toilets and designated smoking areas)
    • Dimensions of each room
    • The position and direction of any sound amplification equipment or device e.g. subwoofers, speakers, mixing desk
    • Indicate if windows and doors will be open or closed during times amplified music will be played

Acoustic report that specifies the maximum internal levels of amplified music which can be played to comply with the criteria from Schedule 1 of Subordinate Local Law No. 16.9 (Amplified music venues) 2022

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the Amplified music venues licence application form(PDF, 229KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Email to: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

In person

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • Copy of your Office of Gaming and Liquor Regulation (OLGR) licence, including the licence conditions.
  • Floor plans of premises including:
    • Structural details
    • Layout, design and appearance
    • All internal and outdoor areas (identify toilets and designated smoking areas)
    • Dimensions of each room
    • The position and direction of any sound amplification equipment or device e.g. subwoofers, speakers, mixing desk
    • Indicate if windows and doors will be open or closed during times amplified music will be played

Acoustic report that specifies the maximum internal levels of amplified music which can be played to comply with the criteria from Schedule 1 of Subordinate Local Law No. 16.9 (Amplified music venues) 2022

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the Amplified music venues licence application form(PDF, 229KB)

Step 3.Visit one of our customer service centres

Submit your application at one of our customer service centres Monday to Friday between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

By mail

Step 1.Gather your documents

You will need to attach the following supporting information to your application:

  • Copy of your Office of Gaming and Liquor Regulation (OLGR) licence, including the licence conditions.
  • Floor plans of premises including:
    • Structural details
    • Layout, design and appearance
    • All internal and outdoor areas (identify toilets and designated smoking areas)
    • Dimensions of each room
    • The position and direction of any sound amplification equipment or device e.g. subwoofers, speakers, mixing desk
    • Indicate if windows and doors will be open or closed during times amplified music will be played

Acoustic report that specifies the maximum internal levels of amplified music which can be played to comply with the criteria from Schedule 1 of Subordinate Local Law No. 16.9 (Amplified music venues) 2022

Step 2.Complete the application form

Download and complete the Amplified music venues licence application form(PDF, 229KB)

Step 3.Send us your completed application form

Post to:
City of Gold Coast
PO Box 5042, GCMC 9726

More information

For more information, contact our Environmental Health team on 07 5667 5988.

Live music enquiries

For live music enquiries, contact the Music Industry Development Officer via the webform.

Live music industry toolkit

The live music industry toolkit is a one-stop-shop for all things related to touring music to and in our city.

Renew a licence/permit

Find out how to renew a licence or permit if there is no renewal fee or if payment of a fee is required.

Cancel a licence/permit

Use the Cancel a licence/permit form to cancel an existing licence/permit.

Replace approval documentation

Use the Replace approval documentation form to apply for replacement approval documentation for your permit or licence.

Request a health licence search

If you are looking at buying licensed premises such as an existing music venue, we recommend you apply for a health licence search to confirm there is a current approval and ensure the exiting owner is complying with licence conditions.

Request a health licence search

Related information

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