Over 30 bars to stop serving drinks on eve of election to protest ‘over-regulation’

More than 30 bars across Sydney will stop serving drinks at 6pm tonight in a united front against “the over-regulation strangling” Sydney’s night-life.

The Botany View Hotel on King St is among 34 venues that will cease drinks service at 6pm tonight. Picture: Joel Carrett

• Bull shark sighting at inner west park
• Two arrested over roof repair scam
• Old Fenwick’s store to become cafe
• Satellite imaging reveals WestConnex damage

More than 30 bars across Sydney will stop serving drinks at 6pm tonight in a united front against “the over-regulation strangling” Sydney’s night-life.

So far 34 venues have confirmed they will take part in the sobering action, led by the Night Time Industries Association, on the eve of the state election.

At 6pm bars will cease service, turn up the lights and turn off the music with venue owners standing on the bar to grab a mic and have an important conversation with their patrons.

Punters are being asked to think about the night-time economy when they had to the ballot box tomorrow. Picture: Damian Shaw

They will be asking punters to “stop the over-regulation strangling venues” and direct them to each parties’ night-time policies via an election scorecard.

Inner west venues taking part are the Botany View Hotel, Earls Juke Joint, Sydney Park Hotel, Welcome Hotel in Rozelle, the White Cockatoo in Petersham and the Cricketer’s Arms in Balmain.

NTIA chair Michael Rodrigues said it was time to take action after Sydney was rated the 10th

worst city in the world in the recent Time Out Index, with Melbourne placing second best.

“This is our chance to do something positive with this election and start reviving Sydney’s night-life,” he said.

“Festivals restrictions and lockout laws have framed the debate so far but it’s more than that; we’re looking at a $16 billion dollar opportunity and potential bigger vision for the night time of this city.

Unite4TheNight’s Josh Pyke and Mike Rodrigues.

“We’re asking voters to think about what they want for the future of Sydney.

“We see a city with a thriving, creative and innovative night-time economy which everyone can be a part of”.

Marys Group founder Jake Smyth said “While we ain’t gonna tell you who to vote for, we are going to tell you what to vote for.

“Vote for community. Vote for culture. Vote for music and art. Vote for your neighbours and vote for your kids.”

For more information, go online: uniteforthenight.org.au

Venues taking part in tonight’s action:

• Bistecca

• Botany View Hotel

• Bulletin Place

• Button Bar

• Cricketer’s Arms Hotel, Balmain

• Crooked Tailor

• Dead Ringer

• Duke of Clarence

• Earls Juke Joint

• Grandmas

• Jacoby’s

• Lord Gladstone

• Mr Pocket

• Odd Culture

• Old Mates’ Place

• Oxford Art Factory

• Papa Gedes

• Pocket Bar

• Pocket Terrigal

• Potts Point Hotel

• PS40

• Ramblin’ Rascal

• Rosie Campbell’s

• Stitch

• Sydney Park Hotel

• The Barber-Shop

• The Royal Albert Surry Hills

• The Taphouse

• This Must Be The Place

• Venue 505

• Welcome Hotel Rozelle

• Whirly Bird

• White Cockatoo Petersham

• Wild Rover