It’s the iconic little Newcastle pub that has been a cornerstone of the city’s thriving musical culture for decades.
And now management of the Lass O’Gowrie Hotel are asking for your help to see the pub return to late trade.
Licensee Andrew Dunne has posted a petition on Change.org calling for the Lass’ long-standing late trading hours to be reinstated.
The iconic venue, under the management of Ian Lobb, traded with a 24-hour liquor licence for 15 years – with their Friday and Saturday night trade often continuing until 3am.
However, when the pub was sold last year, it was discovered that the 24-hour license was issued in error, forcing the pub to close at midnight as per legislation.
“The venue has sought letters of support from local residents who overwhelmingly support the Lass O’Gowrie continuing its long tradition as a late trading hotel, and incubator for Live Music in Newcastle,” Andrew wrote in the petition.
“Even with the amazing local community support, it is still proving difficult to convince authorities to re-instate the late trade at the Lass.”
The petition also highlights the venue’s positive impact in the city’s night-time economy with the venue, prior to the reduction of trade, hosting up to 20 live and original artists every week as well as a range of market days, open mic nights and festivals such as Heaps Gay, Lass Bash and Bandapalooza.
“I fear for the future of the Lass O’Gowrie Hotel if we are unsuccessful in being approved for late trade,” Andrew continued.
“So many people in our huge community have had such important experiences here, met friends for life or created amazing art and music. For future generations not to have that, would be a huge shame.”
At the time of publishing, the petition was just a few signatures away from achieving its goal of 1500 names, but the more the merrier, right?
Head here to sign the petition.
