Merivale pub The Beresford plays politics in time for mardi gras

MERIVALE, owner of Sydney’s most well-known bars and clubs, is throwing its considerable weight behind the campaign to legalise same sex marriage.

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MERIVALE, owner of Sydney’s most well-known bars and clubs, is throwing its considerable weight behind the campaign to legalise same sex marriage.

The hospitality giant helmed by Justin Hemmes is taking on the hot button political issue ahead of next month’s Mardi Gras parade.

The Equality Campaign is lobbying for the government to legalise same sex marriage.

Darlinghurst pub The Beresford, which is owned by Merivale, is hosting “Politics at the Pub” on behalf of The Equality Campaign — a joint venture of lobbyists Australian Marriage Equality and Australians for Equality.

Exterior of the Beresford Hotel, Darlinghurst, Sydney.

Merivale described the event in a statement as “an informal discussion on the issues facing LGBT marriage equality” with a panel of “advocates” such as Californian Senator Ricardo Lara and former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally.

Former NSW Premier Kristina Keneally is on The Beresford’s marriage equality panel.

Paul Flynn, The Beresford Licensee, said: “Merivale and The Beresford are passionate about supporting causes close to our hearts and those of our local community.

“We are proud to host this event and hope that it encourages the continued and needed conversation so that one day, hopefully very soon, All Australians will be able to marry the person they love”.

Ian Thorpe is another campaigner for marriage equality.

Tiernan Brady, executive director of The Equality Campaign, added: “This is the largest campaign for marriage equality and it is not going away.

“Our campaign will only get stronger, until federal parliament delivers this straightforward and strongly supported reform that is all about fairness.”

Drag queen Claudia Izout, Jack Foulstone and Jeremy Ithier preparing for Mardi Gras 2016. Picture: Justin Brierty

In the mardi gras spirit, Merivale also pledged to donate $5 from every ‘Club Tropicana’ cocktail sold at the pub between February 17 and March 6 to provide financial, emotional and medical support to individuals living with HIV through the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation.

Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes at home in Vaucluse.

On the festival’s lighter side, Beresford Sundays is hosting London-based DJ duo Sexshooters and Mardi Gras themed movie nights in the courtyard, serving $10 pizza and hefty discounts off wines.

Pizza and a movie: Beresford Hotel fare on the menu for Mardi Gras movie night.

The annual Laneway Party takes place on Sunday March 5, the day after the official parade, which has its antecedents in the gay rights movement and remains devoted to promoting equality.

“A cherished tradition of the festival, The Laneway has evolved from a portable stereo on Hill Street to an exciting and eclectic street party,” Merivale said.

Memories of yesteryear: original laneway party at The Beresford in 1979.

“Party-goers can expect live music, diva drop-ins, pop-up drag shows and world-class DJs across a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces”.