Sydney’s lockout laws claim another victim with World Bar closing its doors
Say goodbye to live music and teapot cocktails, Kings Cross stalwart The World Bar is closing its doors this week after 18 years on the Sydney club scene, and lockout laws are behind the decision.
Another Sydney club has fallen victim to the NSW government’s lockout laws with The World Bar announcing it will close its doors this week.
The Kings Cross bar has been a staple of the city’s live music and club scene over the past 18 years, supporting Australian acts such as Flume, Gang of Youths and Alison Wonderland early on in their careers.
Also known for its teapot cocktails, the venue was a stalwart for Sydney teenagers on a night out.
In a statement, Owner Steve Ward, who opened The World Bar after the success of its Queenstown namesake, described the closing as “heartbreaking”.
“After being part of the Sydney music scene for more than 18 years it’s tough to close the doors on a venue that really is like a big family,” Ward said.
“The obvious connection that people will make on our closure is the effect of the lockout laws”.
“It’s undeniable that they have had a huge impact on us, as well as Sydney’s live music scene.”
Ward believes there is a “solution” to the effect of lockout laws on Kings Cross venues; “Our parting words to anyone who loves Sydney’s night-life are these — the best way to rebel is to go out,” he said.
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“There are great venues and amazing music alive in the Cross and surrounding areas, so people get out there and support all our incredible friends.”
The World Bar is the latest in a growing list of Sydney venues to close its doors since the lockout laws were announced by former Premier Barry O’Farrell in 2014.
Hugos Bar and Lounge, Flinders Hotel in Darlinghurst, The Soho, The Exchange Hotel and Beach Haus all ceased trading in 2015 with the owners of each venue laying the blame squarely on the impact of lockout laws.
READ THE WORLD BAR’S FULL STATEMENT:
Hi Friends,
We are sad to tell you that we will be closing the doors of the The World Bar Sydney this Thursday 29 November 2018. Our final show on Wednesday is set to be a cracker, so come and join us for one last night to say goodbye at The Wall.
Over the last 18 years, this Kings Cross stalwart has thrown some of Sydney’s most renowned club nights and live music events. The venue’s rich history includes infamous sets featuring Australia’s highly-regarded electronic artists from Ajax to Flume, Alison Wonderland and Nina Las Vegas, plus unforgettable live performances including DZ Deathrays, Gang of Youths and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, who helped pave the way for a seminal period in Sydney’s live music and night-life timeline.
This is obviously heartbreaking stuff, after being part of the Sydney music scene for more than 18 years it’s tough to close the doors on a venue that really is like a big family. We’re very proud of the role we’ve played in fostering young music talent and creating a safe space for all.
The obvious connection that people will make on our closure is the effect of the lockout laws. It’s undeniable that they have had a huge impact on us, as well as Sydney’s live music scene. However, we believe there is a solution here, we have hope. We need the authorities to show true leadership and to make positive decisions for the music and creative communities and for everyone who likes to be social at night! Public opinion and pressure are mounting and now we need our elected officials to be brave and make positive changes to the legislation. Safety and entertainment ARE achievable, we have seen this put into practice in global cities around the world.
Our parting words to anyone who loves Sydney’s night-life are these — the best way to rebel is to go out. There are great venues and amazing music alive in the Cross and surrounding areas, so please get out there and support all our incredible friends — promoters, venue owners, artists- still battling away for their love of live music.
On behalf of everyone at The World Bar, a massive thank you to our 2500 staff, 4500 DJs, 1000 bands and thousands upon thousands of punters who have walked through our doors over the last two decades. We hope we’ve been able to put smiles on people’s faces and create a few hazy memories.
We would also like to thank a sympathetic landlord who has made this difficult decision as smooth as possible.
Cheers for everything, and watch this space, who knows when you might see us again …
Love, Wardy, and The World Bar crew x
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