A Sydney nightclub was forced to shut down one of its most popular events when the unbelievable set of rules it was forced to follow were revealed.
Club 77 on William Street in the suburb of Darlinghurst, which has been operating for a quarter of a century, has launched a new weekly event running from 6am on Sunday until 4am on Monday 25 August.
But the new venture, which aimed to provide an “out-of-hours experience for industry, hospital workers and the community”, was halted after just six weeks.
A NSW Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail that officers in Australia are investigating “a report of a serious violent incident” that occurred in late August.
“The investigation also covers related licensing issues,” he said.
Licensee Dane Gorrel said the club was subjected to “constant harassment and intimidation” by local police.
“It’s been non-stop,” Gorrel told the Sydney Morning Herald, adding that police were “extremely negative and dismissive” when informed of the plans before the night even began.
The publication reported that Gorrel received an email from a Kings Cross police officer saying they were investigating whether there were more than 20 people queuing for the venue after 2am and whether there were more than two standing next to each other.
Sydney nightclub Club 77 claimed it was 'harassed' by NSW Police, including questioning the length of the queue to get in and whether there were more than two abreast. A queue for Club 77 is pictured
Licensee Dane Gorrel said the club had been subjected to “harassment and intimidation” by local police (pictured, police patrolling Kings Cross)
The email also asked whether the club's weaning system – no one enters a full club until someone leaves – was working as required and whether it had been open longer than legally allowed.
Gorrel said 13 police officers and a dog patrolled the club on a recent night. “There was literally one officer per 12 square meters of floor space,” he said.
The licensee also said police requested the club's financial records of all sales over the past six weeks, such as drink and ticket sales, as well as incident logs and security camera footage from the past three weekends.
Although police said they were “investigating a report of a serious violent incident”, the club’s head of operations, Luke Thompson, said he was not aware of any such incident.
“If they are (investigating), they haven’t told us,” he said.
On Thursday, the club reported on social media that Sunday parties had been canceled until further notice due to pressure from “a certain government body”.
“We are genuinely concerned about the actions of this governing body and the safety risks they pose to our community, the night-time economy, the venue and our personal safety as directors and owners,” they said.
Club 77 recently received a $100,000 government grant for soundproofing.
Luke Thompson (pictured), head of operations at Club 77, said he did not know about the incident which police said they were investigating
At a hearing in the NSW state parliament, Night Economy Minister John Graham was asked whether the venue was being targeted by police.
“I’m aware they’ve had some issues recently, but I’m not aware of the details,” he said.
At the same hearing, NSW 24 Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said he was aware of the situation but had not discussed it with the venue.
On Sunday, Graham told Daily Mail Australia that “we cannot afford to lose any more sites in Sydney.
'We want to keep the ones we have and we want their doors to be open.
'The 24 Hour Economy Commissioner is liaising with industry, local and Police on this matter.'
Gorrel added: “The only thing holding this state back with these vibrant, nightlife reforms is the police… Everyone is afraid to speak out.”
The police spokesperson said “Kings Cross Police works closely with all business and community partners to keep the community safe.”
Kings Cross Police Inspector Martha Winch said inspections were carried out regularly at sites to prevent alcohol-related assaults.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Club 77 for further comment.
