Rushcutters Bay Neapolitan restaurant Bar M is appealing a decision made by the City of Sydney that would force the restaurant to close at 10pm instead of midnight. The disagreement comes after the City of Sydney rejected a renewal application to allow Bar M to continue trading until midnight. It’s been trialling the midnight closing since it moved from the CBD into its Neild Avenue space in 2016, taking over from Rushcutters restaurant, which had the green light from the city to extend its operating hours from 10pm to midnight. A City of Sydney spokesperson tells Broadsheet the rejection came down to a few key issues, including hosting wedding receptions and corporate functions without appropriate approvals.

The spokesperson says the NSW Police also made a submission opposing the extended hours after receiving numerous noise complaints from local residents about loud music at the venue. “Bar M is located in a residential area and not within a current or proposed late-night trading area,” the spokesperson says. “The venue has only ever been approved to operate as a restaurant, which permits seated dining and ambient music.” Owner Paola Toppi tells Broadsheet that Bar M has never been fined for noise issues.