Confession nightclub at Port Adelaide to close as owner Shane Hryhorec slams lack of government support

The owner of a popular accessible nightclub says his beloved business will be forced to close after a rise in alcohol taxes.

A popular inclusive and accessible nightclub in Port Adelaide has announced it will close its doors this weekend after a rise in alcohol taxes gave the venue a “kick to the guts”.

CONFESSION, a beloved live entertainment venue and basement bar nightclub in the heart of the Port, says its committed to reopening in the future but conceded the most recent cost increase was the “final nail in the coffin”.

Owner Shane Hyrhorec said his cries for help had gone unnoticed – with a lack of support and funding by local, state and federal government resulted in the imminent closure of his beloved business.

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CONFESSION owner Shane Hryhorec is devastated his business was closing. Picture: Supplied

“We are in an economic crisis and businesses are crying out for support, our pleas have not

been answered. We hope to resurrect CONFESSION when we see the economy improve

and when governments listen, whenever that might be,” he said.

“I am deeply concerned for all the performers and staff who will be without work owing to this situation. My heart goes out especially to those band members and performers with disabilities, who face a significant challenge in finding alternative employment due to the scarcity of accessible venues in Adelaide.

CONFESSION owner Shane Hryhorec said he was sorry to see the business close its doors. Picture: Supplied

“I sympathise with our bar staff, who will likely encounter difficulties securing new positions, particularly when many other bars in Adelaide are either cutting back their hours or shutting down permanently.”

CONFESSION was one of Adelaide's most adored inclusive and accessible, nightclubs. Picture: Supplied

An inside look at inclusive and accessible bar, Confession in Port Adelaide. Picture: Samuel Graves

An inside look at inclusive and accessible bar, Confession in Port Adelaide. Picture: Samuel Graves

The nightclub boasts accessible facilities, no stairs and braille menus, but has been hit hard by cost-of-living pressures and surging operator costs.

In February, Mr Hryhorec warned that this year’s most recent Fringe Festival may have been his third and final.

Private functions at CONFESSION will continue to be available, but the regular Friday and Saturday night offerings will end.

CONFESSION’s owners said they would look to reopen in the future as they “await a brighter economy”.

“Noting that inflation is starting to stabilise, he (Mr Hyrhorec) emphasises the ongoing need for significant economic improvement,” they said.

“The recent news about the increase in liquor taxes was a real kick to the guts for hospitality venues just like CONFESSION and in a way, was the final nail in the coffin. This was South Australia’s most inclusive and accessible night-life destination.”

Doors will open one last time on Saturday April 13.