Venues Update

MORE SYDNEY VENUES DE-LOCKED … BUT TOO LATE?

The NSW Government has approved three more exemptions from Sydney’s lockout laws – the iconic Basement(pictured above) at Circular Quay, O’Malley’s in Kings Cross and the Republic Hotel on Pitt Street. This now brings the total to ten of venues which can now allow patrons in until 2am and serve booze until 3.30am. There are 16 more applications pending.

But for all the hyperbole from the Government, are the exemptions too late, and has the negative impact of the lockout laws on venues been too deep-rooted?

Trade has gone up for most of the ten exempted venues. But for one of them, the Arthouse, there is more venue traffic on the weekends only, even if more are staying longer. The lockout zones now lack glamour and excitement, say some venues; the city and the Cross feel buttoned-up and are attracting fewer patrons for live entertainment, and it’s had a long-term effect on the venues that won’t be reversed with the allowance of that extra half hour.

Others are waiting to see if this thinking changes as authorities slowly change the clock back, or if the new mindset will prove to be a permanent one.

THE STAG DITCHES POKIES, GETS AN UPGRADE

Inner-west Sydney venue The Bald Faced Stag has ditched the pokies and are expanding and upgrading their band room, which regularly hosts international and local metal, hardcore and punk shows.

The pub has promised the improved stage will offer gear lockup, a raised VIP section, a dedicated entrance with merchandise counter, and accommodation for bands. A small bar will be added in collaboration with local brewery Young Henrys, which has a strong history of teaming up with venues and music events.

“The old girl is about to shift gears!” crowed the management on Facebook, adding that the main works will be finished this weekand the whole project wrapped up within a fortnight.

GLOBAL GONG FOR CHINESE LAUNDRY

Another bit of good news for the harbour city: Sydney dance club Chinese Laundry was the only Australian establishment to be listed in DJ Mag’s Top 100 global clubs.

It came in at #100 – down 20 points from last year, but it’s still in the mix. No Aussie clubs made the list between 2011 and 2015.

CANBERRA’S PHOENIX RE-OPENS

Canberra’s Phoenix has reopened after it was closed for a week due to fire hazard concerns. These were the result of a 2014 fire which devastated much of the 27-29 East Row building.

The operators had their lease terminated by the landlord as a result of the closure, stating the changes in the venue were not compliant with regulations. However the issue was sorted out, and live music is blaring out again.

THREE MACKAY NIGHTCLUBS CLOSE

Mackay nightclubs Rabbit Hole, Movidas and Dirty Martinis have shut their doors for the time being. Their owner, developer John Cowley’s company has gone into voluntary administration. Cowley operated other hospitality venues as well. The live music venue AM Bar, which went on the market in February, continues to trade for now.

DARWIN TO GET LANEWAYS CULTURE

The NT Government, Darwin council and business owners believe that adopting Melbourne’s much-vaunted laneway culture will be a way to vamp up Darwin’s inner city, the NT News reported.

While discussions are primarily about food and art to draw in people who like the excitement of hunting down new pleasures, Chief Minister Michael Gunneralso said, “We believe in the potential for live music in the CBD.”

NEW BOOKER AT MELBOURNE’S GRACE DARLING

The Grace Darling in Melbourne (left) has undergone some changes. With booker of eight yearsJohn Waddell, relocating to New Zealand, the Future Popes agency has taken over bookings, using the 180-capacity venue’s email address. The band room is about to get an upgrade.

WANT TO CO-OWN A LGBTI BAR?

Ever felt the need to own a bar, or specifically a LGBTI hang-out? With gay clubs in Melbourne closing all over, the people behind a new venue Pride of our Footscray – P.O.O.F. for short – in the western suburbs are running a crowd-funding campaign.

For $500 each, investors get a heap of discounts and offers, as well as the glow of bringing to life a place which showcases live music, holds exhibitions and other projects. More details at their Facebook page.

GOLD COAST’S BASEMENT CLOSES

After almost 20 years as a Gold Coast comedy venue, the Basement has been axed by the new management of the Arts Centre. It’s decided to “take a break” from the chuckles, and look for more “creative ways” to present comedy.

MEANWHILE RETURNS

Goodbar on Sydney’s Oxford Street is where club night Meanwhile returns for a one-off on Anzac Day Eve. Until it went into hiatus in 2015, it was at the Imperial in Erskineville.

OWNERSHIP TRANSFER FOR EUREKA STADIUM

TheCity of Ballarat in country Victoria is about to take over ownership of the city’s sports and music venue Eureka Stadium from the North Ballarat Football Club. Council took the step after a number of resignations from the club’s board.

THE RIVERSIDE ON THE MARKET

Riverside Sports Bar at Sunshine Plaza on the Sunshine Coast, home to Level 2 Nightclub, is on the market. One of its owners has decided to move away from the hospitality game after 20 years.

In its time, the Maroochydore space was a live music venue, including Factory: The Project, Cow and Anchor and the Pig ’n’ Whistle. With offers coming from as far-flung as Sydney and Melbourne, it will be interesting if the place is turned into a full-time music venue.

ROW OVER TASSIE VENUE PAYMENT

A group of Tasmanian musicians complain they have not been paid for four months by the Salamanca Whisky Bar in Hobart. According to ABC Radio, the venue, which showcases musicians on the weekends, changed its payment from cash on completion to an account-based system.

Since then, ABC Radio said, no money has been paid. The staff are not to blame, the musicians say, just that the person in charge of payments lives outside the island state.