Lockout Laws Claim Latest Victim; Spice Cellar Shuts Down

It only changed location in March this year, but popular dance venue The Spice Cellar has already felt the burden of Sydney's lockout laws and thus will close its doors for good after four years. 

While The Imperial Hotel will remain open, The Spice Cellar, which took residence in the venue's basement, will cease operating. 

In a prepared statement, organisers said the reason behind the decision was due to Sydney's controversial lockout laws.

"The current climate for late night entertainment in Sydney has been put under extreme duress," the statement read. 

"The misconception and lack of understanding towards late night culture, combined with the introduction of 1:30am lockout laws has seen many venues close over the past year, putting a grave future in place for Sydney’s late night entertainment industry. Small business owners lack influence and do not have a voice. "

The statement went on to question the laws which were brought in last year, while management urged the NSW Government to change the policies. 

"Lockout laws are not the way forward; restricting people’s civil liberties and disadvantaging industry causes a negative carry on effect to culture, jobs, tourism, entertainment to name a few."

"Unfortunately there is an ongoing problem with drinking culture, antisocial behaviour, and violence in NSW. Whilst we appreciate that the NSW government is trying to reduce alcohol related violence and anti-social behaviour, introducing lockout laws does not solve the problem. Venues operating dance clubs or late trading venues after midnight are perceived to be the problem, but incidents occur at all times of the day."

They have also started a campaign to "keep music alive in Sydney" — for more info, check out the official Facebook page.