Northcote street party erupts after Richmond ‘takeaway’ pub crawl slammed

A popular pub in Northcote has taken a financial hit from being linked to a party on the street outside — despite being closed at the time.

A popular pub in Melbourne’s inner north said it has taken a financial hit from being linked to a party on the street outside — despite being closed at the time.

Peacock Inn owner Andrew Gilbert said he was stunned that functions were being cancelled and his staff were being blamed for the impromptu lockdown booze-up when they had not been at work since August 5.

The party, which occurred when a nearby resident in Northcote set up turntables and played tunes from a balcony, saw hundreds of people descend on local streets.

Mr Gilbert said some revellers appeared to have bought drinks from other venues or brought their own, but his venue had not operated.

He said he had no power to move people on from outside his pub, but urged everyone to follow lockdown orders to prevent stay-at-home restrictions lingering.

“We are all in this together. Every party is another week (in lockdown) you could say.

“Every time people are putting on parties and trying to have a good time when we are supposed to be at home.”

Mr Gilbert said ongoing costs are going “through the roof” while having to be shut, and yet more financial pain could be on the way because of the street party.

“It’s killing us, functions are being cancelled and everything,” he said.

He said functions could bring in $5,000 to $10,000 worth of revenue for each event — and three had been dumped already.

He said he is also getting inundated with cruel emails and social media messages telling him he should be “ashamed” of himself.

Crowds of people gather on High St in Northcote. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Revellers sit in the gutter, listening to music. Picture: Josie Hayden

On Saturday night, police had been forced to stop a planned Mornington Peninsula bash where 1000 people had been invited and a DJ hired, while dozens of drinkers went on a “pub crawl” through Richmond.

A furious Mr Andrews on Sunday morning read the riot act over flagrant breaches, saying they were an “insult to everybody” doing the right thing.

“I appeal to every Victorian, please do what the vast majority are doing – following the rules, doing the right thing,” he said.

“There are some people who think this does not apply to them, but I just say, the consequences are significant, and very serious.”

Police issued more than 25 fines for breaching stay-at-home rules at the weekend, as the force and Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation investigates whether the Richmond bars broke liquor licensing laws.

Acting Superintendent Greg Hinton said he expected the number of fines being issued to increase.

“If you’re collecting food or drinks from a venue, collect them and move on,” he said. “This isn’t a loophole in the directions … if you’re drinking with your friends, it’s not an essential reason.”

But on Sunday afternoon crowds were seen at popular spots, including Domain Rd in South Yarra and Acland St in St Kilda.

A rooftop DJ plays for the crowds on High St. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

People gather to dance and drink in the sun. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

It comes as police investigate a Saturday night “pub crawl” in Richmond that was orchestrated through social media.

Premier Daniel Andrews admonished people who participated in the “Walk. Talk. Sip.” gathering, which was organised by social media account Richmond_3121.

“A pub crawl — and that is what it was — in Richmond last night is not worth it,” he said.

“It is just not worth it. None of us should be doing anything that potentially spreads this virus, because this virus is not something anyone wants to get.

“We’re not talking about people in their 90s — that is tragic enough. But we’re talking about people dying in their 30s and 40s and 50s.”

The account posted a map on Instagram showing venues in Richmond that were selling takeaway booze, encouraging people to walk between bars and buy drinks.

It resulted in large crowds gathering outside bars on Saturday, with several venues “dishing out roadies” to large crowds of revellers.

Crowds outside Ladyboy bar in Richmond on Saturday night. Picture: Tony Gough

A woman with a drink in each hand was among the crowds outside Ladyboy bar in Richmond. Picture: Tony Gough

The gathering, organised via social media by Richmond_3121, called for revellers to “map out your own path and enjoy that sunshine”.

But the organiser backtracked in a statement posted on Instagram, saying it had not intended to create an “event” and had added more venues to a map of bars offering takeaway drinks on Saturday, in the hopes it would “spread the load to avoid large groups”.

They conceded that plan “didn’t work”.

“On Tuesday we messaged six businesses that were already offering takeaway drink and food with the idea to create and share a little walking map, giving you a chance to support struggling businesses while getting your walk in,” the statement read.

“With or without a map, these businesses will still be operating with takeaway today (as they have been throughout numerous lockdowns) and need your help, so make sure you are doing everything right.”

The Herald Sun was told police were warning venues along Swan and Burnley streets and Bridge Rd to stop selling drinks with straws to waiting customers.

Crowds gather outside Ladyboy bar in Richmond as part of a ‘takeaway’ pub crawl. Picture: Tony Gough

One local resident told the Herald Sun “supporting local businesses was important” but they were concerned about the lack of social distancing and that the crowd was largely maskless.

Another posted to the site that “given the additional exposure sites in Richmond, this is incredibly irresponsible that you’re proceeding with this”.

Other posters to the site, which has 21,500 Instagram followers, said “oh gosh, you guys are doing God’s work” and another said “it’s getting bigger! We’ll be smashed by the end of our walk!” Another said “I hope you’re taking advantage of this boozy walk”.

Richmond_3121 promoted the event as WALK.TALK.SIP. The site said they approached six venues to create the 5.5km round trip. The organisers said the “sip stops” would allow for plenty of time for an allocated two-hour outdoor exercise as mandated under CHO directions, writing: “Obviously all C19 rules apply, we know them well.”

One business owner told the Herald Sun they were “disgusted” the government would take this “opportunity away from small business who are struggling”.

Police move among the crowds along Domain Rd on Saturday morning. Picture: David Crosling

Massive crowds wait outside cafes along Domain Rd. Picture: David Crosling

Police tell people in the park to move on. Picture: David Crosling

A patron of the popular bar, Lady Boy, said he could not see the issue with the event.

“It’s all within restrictions,” he said.

“These places have been doing it so tough. I can’t believe the government wants to kill off even more businesses.”

But some locals were tentative about the possibility of breaking lockdown rules.

“I’m a bit concerned about people not wearing their masks correctly,” a patron of Concrete Boots said.

“But at the end of the day, small businesses have had it so rough and I want to do what I can to help.”

Many of Richmond’s bars were involved in the event, attracting crowds of up to 50 people per location.

“Lockdown is making people go stir-crazy,” one patron, outside Matheson Wine Bar, said.

“The fact that the cops are getting involved is ridiculous — we’re not criminals, we’re getting a legal drink with our friends.”

Meanwhile, massive crowds also gathered along Domain Rd, South Yarra, and in nearby parks as police began cracking down on gatherings.