A BRICK wall of regulations has been blamed for the shock closure of an iconic inner west music venue, reigniting calls for an overhaul of the state government rule book.

The Newtown Social Club last week announced its doors would permanently close on April 23, signalling the end to the venue’s 147 year-old history.

In a statement, management said the venue could no longer survive the “current regulatory climate in Sydney and inherit challenges.”

While management did not elaborate, it’s believed the comments were directed at licencing and alcohol restrictions imposed by Liquor and Gaming NSW.

Liquor and Gaming, however, said the venue has only be inspected once since 2013 and no regulatory action was taken.

media_camera The venue was previously known as the Sandringham Hotel under former ownership.

The venue also sits outside Sydney’s lockout zones and was allowed late trading until 2am from Monday to Saturday and midnight on Sunday.

Other venues in Newtown have reported marked increased in trade as late-night revellers ditched the CBD and Kings Cross lockout zones for the inner west.

Keep Sydney Open campaigner Tyson Koh, however, said regulatory woes were common for venues across Sydney, with hurdles including compliance costs and infringements brought about by “licensing police”.

Last week’s announcement came days after Sunday live music sessions were banned at Glebe’s Harold Park Hotel due to a single noise complaint lodged by a neighbouring resident.

The venue had been hosting music for the past seven years, but did not have approval to stage musicians within the pub’s courtyard.

media_camera William Ryan, publican of the new Harold Park Hotel in Glebe, Sydney.

Publican William Ryan said he was working on an agreement with the City of Sydney to avoid the $20,000 cost of compliance certificates to bring back the 4-8pm sessions.

Musician Jack Colwell was a regular fixture at the Newtown Social Club and said the closure was indicative of wider challenges facing Sydney’s live music scene.

Another regular, ASTA, said the struggles have led to an emergence of alternative avenues for musicians to perform. She said smaller events, organised through Facebook, were “helping to keep Sydney’s live music scene alive.”

A Liquor and Gaming spokesman said reforms announced in December meant venues affected by lockouts could apply for 30 minute extensions to lockouts and last drinks times.

Three venues have taken up the extension. A further 14 are being considered.

media_camera ASTA was a regular performer at the Newtown Social Club.

Colwell called for greater government investment in live music, citing cities such as Canberra that were promoting emerging artists through strategies to support the music sector.

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