Ridiculous set of rules Club 77 was forced to follow before shutting down after being harassed by cops
A Sydney nightclub has been forced to shut down one of its most popular events as the unbelievable set of rules it was forced to follow is laid bare.
A Sydney nightclub has been forced to shut down one of its most popular events as the unbelievable set of rules it was forced to follow is laid bare.
Club 77 on William Street in the inner suburb of Darlinghurst, which has been running for a quarter century, launched a new weekly event running from 6am on Sunday until 4am on Monday on August 25.
But the new venture, which aimed to provide an after-hours experience for industry, hospo workers and community, has been halted after just six weeks.
A NSW Police spokesman told Daily Mail Australia officers are investigating a report of a serious violent incident that occured in late August.
The investigation is also covering related licensing issues, he said.
Licensee Dane Gorrel claimed the club had been subjected to constant harassment and intimidation by the local police.
It has just been non-stop, Mr Gorrel told the Sydney Morning Herald, adding that the police had been extremely negative and dismissive when told about the plans before the night even launched.
The publication reported Mr Gorrel received an email from a Kings Cross police officer saying they were looking into whether there were more than 20 people in the queue for the venue after 2am and if they were more than two abreast.
Sydney nightclub Club 77 has claimed it was harassed by the NSW Police, including questioning how big the queue to get in was and if they were more than two abreast. A queue for Club 77 is pictured
Licensee Dane Gorrel said the club had been subjected to harassment and intimidation by the local police (pictured, police patrolling Kings Cross)
The email also reportedly asked if the clubs pass-out system - nobody entering a full club until someone else leaves - was working as required and if it was open longer than it was legally allowed to be.
Mr Gorrel claimed 13 officers and a dog patrolled the club on a recent evening. There was literally one police officer per 12 square metres of floor space, he said.
The licensee also said the police asked for the clubs financial records of all sales over the last six weeks, such as drink and ticket sales, as well as incident logs and CCTV footage from the past three weekends.
Though the police said they were investigating a report of a serious violent incident, the clubs head of operations, Luke Thompson, said he did not know of any such incident.
If they are (investigating) they havent told us, he said.
On Thursday, the club said on social media the Sunday parties were cancelled until further notice due to pressure from a certain government body.
Were genuinely concerned about the actions of this governing body and the safety risks they pose to our community, the nighttime economy, the venue and our personal safety as directors and owners, they said.
Club 77 had recently been awarded a $100,000 government grant for soundproofing.
Luke Thompson (pictured), Club 77s head of operations, said he did not know about the incident the police said they were investigating
At a hearing in the NSW state parliament, Nighttime Economy Minister John Graham was asked if the venue was being harassed by police.
Im aware that they had struck some trouble recently, but Im not aware of the details, he said.
At the same hearing, NSW 24-hour economy commissioner Michael Rodrigues said he was aware of the situation but had not discussed it with the venue.
On Sunday, Mr Graham told Daily Mail Australia that We cant afford to lose anymore venues in Sydney.
We want to keep the ones weve got and we want their doors open.
The 24-Hour Economy Commissioner is in contact with the industry, the venue and Police about this matter.
Mr Gorrel added: The only thing that is holding this state back with these vibrancy and nightlife reforms is the police ... Everyones scared to speak up.
The police spokesman said Kings Cross Police work closely with all business and community partners in keeping the community safe.
Kings Cross police inspector Martha Winch said inspections were regularly conducted at venues to prevent alcohol-related assaults.
Daily Mail Australia contacted Club 77 for further comment.
