Laws passed earlier this year, which came into effect this month, remove the requirement for liquor licensees to get approval to host alcohol-free under-age and all-ages live music events in licensed venues.

Previously venues had to apply for an all-ages, alcohol-free event and had to give at least 45 days notice. The industry said this was highly prohibitive as booking bands for these events was often done at short notice and there was a costly administrative burden.

Music Victoria chief executive Patrick Donovan applauded the changes, saying it would help bands, venues and punters participate in the city's live music scene. He said he expects all-ages gigs to return in coming months.

''We all remember our first gig as a teenager that turned us on to music for life. These common sense reforms will enable teenagers to experience the excitement of live music in a safe environment with their older siblings and parents and trigger the next generation of bands and fans,'' Mr Donovan said.

Ben Thompson, who is the music co-ordinator for The Corner Presents, which books bands at a number of Melbourne pubs, said there was a large group of music fans between 15-25 but it was difficult to get them all at the same gig.

''Shows will be better attended because 15-25 year olds will all be able to go,'' Mr Thompson said.

''It also opens up the chance for older siblings to take younger ones to shows.''

Bands, such as Animaux, complain that its frustrating for friends and fans to come to shows especially when groups of friends include over and under 18s.

Animaux manager and band member 21-year-old Alex Lahey said the reforms would help younger bands get exposure to the wider industry. She feels they are ostracised from the sector, meaning there are many missed opportunities.

''The crossover market is really important, it's going to expose a lot of good young bands,'' she said.

Minister for Liquor and Gaming Regulation Edward O'Donohue said the changes removed onerous paperwork.

''Venues across the state, like the famous Corner Hotel, are able to host under-age shows without the paperwork and costs that had previously made them too expensive and time consuming to contemplate,'' Mr O'Donohue said.

It is estimated that live music contributed $301 million towards the Victorian economy in 2009-10, supporting 15,000 jobs.