HOPE remains for live music in Love Lane, with a group of bar owners being told to submit applications for entertainment licences.

Since the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site Special Area Plan (SAP) was gazetted in 2016, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has stopped issuing new licences, preventing many bars and restaurants in the city from offering live music.

Only those with licences issued prior to the SAP gazettement are allowed to continue with live band performances, whereas shopping malls, hotels and outlets in Jalan Penang and Upper Penang Road can apply for new ones.

This has hurt the businesses of proprietors in the heritage city, and even landed bar owner Kelvin D. Loovi in court for allowing musicians to perform at his establishment.

At a meeting between 15 Love Lane bar owners and MBPP this morning, Loovi said they were encouraged to submit applications for entertainment licences.

He said he suggested that the council take into consideration the fact that some bar owners have been in business long before SAP was gazetted.

“The council then looked at the dates when we started operating. Now, we are encouraged to send in our applications. So, we have a chance.

“A few of us, who have been in business a long time, will be given priority, provided we don’t run our places like nightclubs with loud music,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Loovi, who highlighted the issue last week, said he has been given fresh application forms, and plans to submit them this week.

Newer bars might have to wait longer for their case to come up, he said.

“There are other bar owners who feel hopeful now, like those in the nearby Lebuh Chulia. They are interested in applying, too.”

He expressed appreciation for MBPP’s proactive action, citing councillor Wong Yuee Harng, who helped the bar owners “resolve the matter in the most amicable way possible”.

Wong said both sides made efforts to understand each other’s position during their discussions.

He said MBPP explained that the businesses were issued notices to help them understand that live band performances were not allowed under the licensing policy, which was shaped by the SAP zoning policy.

“For the time being, action must be taken. The owners also understand the policy. They praised our officers for being professional and fair when they visited the premises.”

He said the bar owners told the council that nightlife activities are shifting to areas like Love Lane and Lebuh Chulia, which means live music is important for business.

“We take note of this. We will bring it up at council meetings and take it up with the SAP review committee.

“Hopefully, there will be good news for the businesses on this matter, because SAP is now under review.” – March 11, 2019.