Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory granted half-hour lockouts exemption

Sydney venue Oxford Arts Factory is the latest to score a small victory in the fight against the city’s controversial lockout laws, as the popular live music spot joined six other Sydney establishments that have had a half-hour extension to the lockout times granted.

OAF announced on their Facebook page this morning that effective immediately, the “lock-in/lock-out” time at the venue (after which no more guests can be admitted) would be extended to 2am, and drinks could be served until 3.30am.

The Minister for Lands, Forestry and Racing announced on Wednesday that OAF and Thai Town venue Mr B’s had been added to the list of venues allowed the half-hour extension to the lockout times. They join an exclusive group of city venues who may allow guests in and sell drinks half an hour after the non-exempted venues:

• The Palace Hotel (CBD)
• ArtHouse Hotel (CBD)
• The Observer Hotel (The Rocks)
• Stonewall Hotel (Oxford St)
• World Bar (Kings Cross)

TMN can report that there are a further nineteen venues whose applications are currently being assessed.

“The venue was able to demonstrate they had a market orientation towards live performances and arts and cultural events, which is the main criteria,” a spokesperson for the Office Of Liquor And Gaming told TMN.

“It went through an assessment process, where NSW Police were able to provide comment and the fact that it is a long-established live music venue with a record of featuring both national and international acts meant that it did fit the criteria for a live entertainment extension.”

Consultation with local police about the venue’s history of compliance and good behaviour from punters was key to the application’s success.

The extensions scheme was a key recommendation of the Callinan Report, the review into the lockout laws released last year. The exemptions –aimed specifically to allow live music venues a little more latitude under the NSW government’s much-decried laws – are under trial for two years, during which the success of the extensions are being constantly monitored and after which they will be reviewed.

“I strongly urge all licensed premises in the CBD, both large or small, to stand with us and apply for this much needed exemption from the lockout laws,” OAF owner and licensee Mark Gerber said in the venue’s Facebook announcement. “If you are a small bar and are now able to extend your trading hours then look at doing this ASAP. If you are a licensed venue that can or does already support live entertainment then you should also apply.

“The future of Sydney’s nightlife and its cultural vibrancy depends on a united front and a show of strength from all affected venues and the people who use them. Change can only come if we all work and stand together to change the tide on the damage that these draconian laws have caused to this great city of ours over the last three years.”

Application information and forms from the Office Of Liquor And Gaming can be found here.