My family owned and managed the Taylor Square Newsagency on Oxford Street for 84 years. It was one of the best known businesses in the eastern suburbs and the City of Sydney.

We were as famous for our contribution to the local community fabric as we were for trading 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our business meant as much to Darlinghurst as it did for us as a family. That was at least until we were forced to close our doors just 18 months after the introduction of

the lockout laws.

Until then, our doors were always open. On any given night, 3am was a busy time for us and for Darlinghurst. It was often around this time that we observed and enjoyed the eclectic mix of our clientele.

Mark Pigott outside the Taylor Square newsagent which has closed down due to lockout laws. Credit:Louise Kennerley

We served everybody from actors and singers, to politicians and comedians, to television and radio personalities, journalists and hospitality workers, famous chefs among them. Every profession from within the public service also rotated through our newsagency. It was a true cross roads of Sydney. It never deserved to be bulldozed by these laws.