One of the great late-night venues of Sydney’s inner west will stop the music for the last time this Saturday as the Sly Fox loses its fight to retain 24-hour trading.
As reported in November, since 1999 the Sly Fox of Enmore had traded on a 24-hour permit originally acquired on a one-year trial. In the following two decades it developed a reputation and business model based on post-midnight trade.
The licensing oversight was not picked up until 2016, and while for a time the trading hours continued, a rule stipulating no amplified music after 3am became enforced.
Significant capex was spent soundproofing and utilising measures to have the restriction removed, in the hope of retaining the Fox’s primary market, but despite its purported pro-live music stance Inner West Council ultimately pulled its support for the venue trading beyond midnight.
Owners Kerry Wallace and Brett Strauss have conducted a gallant campaign to persuade the relevant authorities to restore the 24-hour licence, pulling over 7,200 signatures in the Save the Sly Fox petition to Council.
The case went before a special panel, which eventually ruled the venue’s licence would have a midnight close, with a two-year trial of (extended) trading until 3am.
Early January the Fox took to social media to announce its imminent demise, with the music set to go quiet for the last time on Saturday 18 January.
“We have fought long and hard over the last few years, especially over the last six months against horrific lies from local residents and arguably unlawful tactics, of the Inner West Council.”
Opting to look back at the good times rather than bemoan their plight and “extreme loss of personal money and hard work”, Wallace and Strauss expressed their gratitude to all the local residents and entertainment that have populated the pub for years, and those behind the scenes.
“We’d like to thank our dedicated staff/owners for their dedication and hard work in the venue for the last four years of operation.
“It hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime and no council will ever be able to take that away from us. Thank you all so very much.”
A series of ‘Last Chance To Dance’ last hurrah parties have rocked the Enmore pub since the announcement, culminating this weekend, inviting so many that have been touched by the Fox.
“To anyone who has seen their favourite DJ play, met a new friend, celebrated a birthday, watched a favourite band, chuckled to a comedian, connected with a random at the bar, had a mad solo late night out, high fived one of our bar staff, had a laugh with our security or simply danced the night away, we ask you to join us for ONE LAST DANCE to … farewell this venue into the history books.”
