And to think, in the beginning those lining up to drink at the nearest speakeasy-inspired venue in Sydney CBD were doing it ironically.
Yet with the controversial lockout laws showing no sign of buggering off any time soon, the venue of choice for Depression-era flappers might, well, become our only option.
Popular during Prohibition in America, speakeasies sprouted up in cities where alcohol consumption and distribution was considered criminal.
As more venues in Sydney are being forced to close due to what some have called “nanny state” regulations, the industry is attempting to take matters into its own hands.
NSW premier Mike Baird has been banned from venues following his deeply criticsed post on Facebook where he expressed his support of the lockout laws, then followed on to delete any comments that opposed this opinion.
The Keep Sydney Open movement has popped up to directly combat the restrictions - which they say are effectively killing Sydney night life - even organising a massive rally which is set to take place on Sunday, Febuary 21 in Belmore Park next to Central Station.
Back in 2010, a rally staged in Melbourne brought an end to similar discussions of a lockout law and the KSO organisers are hoping their own event will carry as much weight.
"The turnout [at that rally] was estimated to be 17,000 people and is attributed with being instrumental in the removal of the Melbourne lockout in favour of other measures like supporting the live music scene, increasing police presence in the CBD and implementing 24-hour transport on the weekend,” they said in a statement on their Facebook page.
Australian bands such as The Preatures, Hoodoo Gurus and Art Vs Science have all expressed their support and will be perform at the event which is asking for:
- Late night public transport facilities, like in Melbourne
- The lifting of restrictions on retail hours
- Lockout exemptions for licensed premises that are predominantly live music venues
- An end to the new license freeze for predominantly live music venues and small bars
- Police to work with not against the responsible venues who provide safe nights out in a global city
The lockout laws and their enforcement of them is becoming the issue for not only young voters but those in the hospitality industries.
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