The lockout laws have forced the closure of one of the few remaining lockout free institutions; taking with it late night clubbing foray, The Spice Cellar.

After four years of bubbling away among and ahead of Sydney Nightlife, having played home to internationals; Nina Kraviz, Joris Voorn, Jamie Jones, Claude VonStroke and more, promoters have sadly agreed that “the music really does stop”.

The Spice Cellar moved from it’s inner-city location, outside of the lockout laws in March, to the LBGT friendly The Imperial where it has faced heavy pressure, including a forced 72-hour shutdown.

Although continuing as an entertainment venue; hosting some of the best international and local talent, The Spice Cellar have decided to call it a day, although the Imperial Hotel will continue to operate as so.

The Spice Cellar have released the following statement;

Today the music really does stop.

The Spice Cellar has taken the difficult and heartbreaking decision to cease operating as a weekly night clubbing destination in the basement of the Imperial Hotel.

Thank you to all who have supported the Spice Cellar over the past 4 years. It has been an institution for noteworthy events and played an integral part in Sydney nightlife and the growth of underground music, showcasing local artists in conjunction with high profile international guests. The likes of Nina Kraviz, Joris Voorn, Jamie Jones, Guy Gerber, Adam Beyer, Disclosure, Claude Von Stroke, Marcel Dettman, Soul Clap and more.

The current climate for late night entertainment in Sydney has been put under extreme duress. The misconception and lack of understanding towards late night culture, combined with the introduction of 1:30am lockout laws has seen many venues close over the past year, putting a grave future in place for Sydney’s late night entertainment industry. Small business owners lack influence and do not have a voice. The overarching agenda by conservative groups for Sydney is to remove late night culture rather than acknowledge it as a core part of the cultural fabric that enriches a city. Lockout laws are not the way forward; restricting people’s civil liberties and disadvantaging industry causes a negative carry on effect to culture, jobs, tourism, entertainment to name a few.

Unfortunately there is an ongoing problem with drinking culture, antisocial behaviour, and violence in NSW. Whilst we appreciate that the NSW government is trying to reduce alcohol related violence and anti-social behaviour, introducing lockout laws does not solve the problem. Venues operating dance clubs or late trading venues after midnight are perceived to be the problem, but incidents occur at all times of the day. The sad truth is the minority of bad eggs ruin it for the majority of people doing the right thing. We have become a society where people are becoming less and less responsible for their own actions. Who is really at fault for bad behaviour? Is it the venue that serves the alcohol, the promoter who organises the event, the alcohol companies who produce the alcohol OR is it the individual?

Our ethos and philosophy is to celebrate culture, nurture community and embrace diversity through hospitality, arts and entertainment.

COMMUNITY: Our neighbourhood, our patrons, our performers, artists, staff and partners.

CULTURE: Innovation in hospitality and entertainment, featuring established and emerging artists, musicians, live bands, gender illusionists and DJ’s.

DIVERSITY: an open door policy; gay, straight, lesbian, single, queer, student, bisexual, couples, professional, transgender, music enthusiast, artist, friend, male, female. Zero tolerance to prejudice, homophobia, violence, misogynistic, anti-social or illegal behaviour. Individualism, freedom of expression, non-judgmental attitudes are encouraged.

The staff, the patrons, the neighbours and the authorities all have the right to enjoy the amenity of the neighbourhood. They should not feel at war with each other but be on the same side with peace, unity and respect. Therefore, with this in mind, we welcome a new chapter to the story by taking this action.

The Imperial Hotel will operate its usual array of entertainment in the public bar & cabaret lounge and the basement will be made available for venue hire.

If you would like to support our campaign to keep the music alive in Sydney, please join the Stop the Music group here

We’re expecting the hotel, if it decides to continue to hold dance music events to rotate promoters moving forward on a case by case basic.