Cherry Bar owner makes plea for patrons to pay venue’s rent

The owner of Melbourne’s legendary Cherry Bar has made a “desperate request” to save his venue — begging patrons to dip into their pockets for the venue’s rent.

Cherry Bar owner James Young, pictured with Lord Mayor Sally Capp is Melbourne’s ‘night mayor’. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

Melbourne’s “night mayor” and Cherry Bar owner James Young has made a desperate plea for punters to pay the rent at the popular rock venue.

“We haven’t been allowed to trade anywhere near our normal capacity since mid-March last year and we’ve had to spend six months in total in lockdown here in Melbourne during this crippling time.

“The income has stopped, but the costs keep on coming,” Mr Young said.

“By far, our most intimidating regular expense is our rent at Cherry. We’re right in the heart of the city, and we have a 24-hour 7-days-a-week liquor licence. Our monthly rent bill is a whopper.”

James Young at Cherry Bar. Picture: Facebook

My Young added: “If we could just get our rent paid every month, then that would alleviate so much pressure from Cherry Bar that we would be guaranteed to survive and continue supporting live local music and rock n roll good times for many years to come.

“We’re hoping that we can get the Cherry Massive to pay our rent.”

Mr Young is proposing 400 annual memberships, where individuals pay $30 a month, and businesses $60 a month.

In return, members will get a medallion, tea towel, discounted drinks at Cherry, early bird tickets to the Cherry Rock 2022 festival, and priority access to secret shows.

“For those who can’t afford a dollar a day, we understand and sympathise with your situation,” Mr Young said.

“We still love you and hope you’ll forgive us for making this desperate request at this desperate time.

“This is our request ... to help our local music artists, my casual staff, management, all the ripple effect a live music venue has. If we get our rent paid, we will survive.

“We’ll be supporting rock and roll, supporting live music, and supporting you.

In slightly happier times ... Cherry bar owner James Young pours home delivery cocktails available during lockdown. Picture: Jason Edwards.

“If you can find it in your heart, if you can find it in your wallet, please consider becoming an official member.”

Cherry Bar opened in ACDC Lane 21 years ago before moving to Little Collins St. The bar has hosted rock stars including Axl Rose and Tom Morello.

Noel Gallagher famously offered to buy the club.

Mr Young leads the Melbourne City Council’s night-time economy taskforce.

The 13-member committee is asked with reviving the city’s nightlife, which was valued at $3.5 billion before COVID-19 hit.

www.patreon.com/cherrybar