Originally published by The Spinoff . Auckland Council’s new noise restrictions on a popular underage music venue are symptomatic of wider issues within the scene , says one gig organiser. The Sunday after a gig at the Grey Lynn Library Hall bore the marks of a battlefield: splashes of spew on the sidewalk, empty bottles hidden in bushes, nang canisters and cigarette butts in the gutter.
The mornings followed blurry nights feeling the sweat drip down the walls, and letting the bass from the amps blow out your ears. It’s a pivotal experience decades of Aucklanders have lived, but now, the council is turning the lights down on the show. New sound restrictions were introduced to the Library Hall in early September, following a month of Friday and Saturday night shows.
While butting heads over loud noises is no new issue for musicians and neighbourhood locals, one show organiser says it’s more likely the behaviour of the minors damaging goods and drinking illegally at these shows which has created a cycle of venues shutting up shop for underage gigs. The council confirmed the new restrictions at the Library Hall to The Spinoff in a statement: “Changes have recently been introduced to limit booking times at this venue to reduce late-night activity and minimise noise disturbance to the surrounding community.” Previously, gigs could last late into the night and the early hours of the morning, but now, bookings are only available until 10pm.
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