Enmore live music institution Sly Fox is in a fight for its life, after the late-night venue’s ability to trade late may soon be no more due to a 20-year error.
In 1998, under the previous owners, the hundred-year-old pub on Enmore Road was granted a 24-hour licence for a one-year trial period.
When the trial expired, the licence was never renewed but the hotel continued the extended trading hours.
Over the next two decades the former Enmore Hotel, known as the Sly Fox, developed a reputation for live music, and hosting international DJs, comedy nights and dance parties.
But in 2016 current owners Kerry Wallace and Brett Strauss were hit with news the licensing error had been picked up by police, along with stipulation in the pub’s current trading conditions of no amplified music after 3am.
Headphones were subsequently issued to patrons beyond 3am for ‘silent discos’, and more than $100k was spent on soundproofing – in the hope of having the 3am music cut-off amended.
Inner West Council (IWC) depicts itself as championing live music, and considering the pub’s good historic record, Council agreed to allow it to continue 24-hour trading.
However, earlier this year IWC advised the owners their current agreement was no longer valid. It was also rescinding its decision to allow 24-hour trading to continue, but would support their re-application.
The Hotel submitted a new DA, prompting 12 objections by local residents, although the pub has its doubts about the validity of some, reputed to have come from unoccupied premises. The objections mean the decision will now go before a special panel.
Then, adding insult to injury, last week IWC changed its mind again and notified Warner and Strauss it would be recommending a midnight licence.
Wallace told News he believes they are actively trying to close down the pub, which midnight closing would do.
“It has taken a huge toll on us … and (if the business closed) it would take all our life savings combined because we have so much invested.”
The council panel will rule on the case on 10 December, and IWC mayor Darcy Byrne is continuing his personal support.
“With the lockout laws set to be repealed within a matter of weeks, this is the time to be supporting venues across Sydney to have more live music gigs, not shutting them down – and the truth is, the deadly troika of the liquor regulators, licensing police and council regulation have resulted in literally dozens of famous venues across central Sydney closing down, and we just can’t let this happen to the Sly Fox.”
Support for the Hotel has been substantial, with the IWC flooded with Submission to Council Forms to Save The Sly Fox (available HERE), and at time of publishing there were more than 7,000 signatures on the Save The Sly Fox petition.
“We ask everyone who has ever had the pleasure of a dance, a late-night drink or simply does not want to see another music venue close in Sydney to click the link and fill in the submission form.
“This will be sent to council so please tell them in your own words why you support our DA application and how detrimental another music venue closing in Sydney would be.”
