It has, for decades, been one of the staunchest supporters of local live music in Newcastle.
And now local and interstate bands will have to find another place to play, for the foreseeable future at least, after the Lass O’Gowrie announced the cancellation of all live music in the venue’s iconic beer garden.
Taking to Facebook late last week, licensee Andrew Dunne made a short, but impassioned post breaking the bad news to the venue’s many patrons, pointing to noise complaints from surrounding residents as a major reason behind the decision.
“On the basis of Local Licensing Police advice and noise complaints, we have made the decision to cese all live music in the beer garden,” the post read.
“This breaks out live music heart and rest assured we will be working to restore live music at The Lass ASAP.
“It’s been a tough year for us, please come and show your support.”
The post was met with a flurry of support for the venue as well as a high level of disdain toward people who choose to move to the inner city and then complain about the nightlife.
“Purchases new living abode next to Heritage-listed hotel. Submits noise complaint immediately after signing contracts,” one commenter wrote while another chimed in with a similar: “That’s terrible news for live music and the best pub at supporting it. Send earplugs to all the neighbours!”
The news comes after management started a Change.org petition back in October, seeking a resumption of late trade at the Lass.
Under the management of Ian Lobb, the Lass 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 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.
At the time of printing, the petition had generated more than 2000 signatures.
