Cult ACT Venue Smith's Alternative Bookshop To Close This Week

Long-serving stalwart Canberra venue Smith's Alternative Bookshop has announced that it will be ceasing operations as of midnight this Saturday, 21 March, as a result of the overwhelming pressure of the current economic climate.

Taking to Facebook yesterday to break the news, venue organisers took the time to thank their many supporters. 

"As of midnight Saturday, 21 March, Smith's Alternative Bookshop will cease trading," they wrote. "We are sorry for any inconvenience or difficulty caused but we have persevered as long as possible in the current climate.

"We would like to thank all of our supporters; it has been especially memorable meeting you and, for our performers, having you play at our venue — you are all amazing people. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours."

The Canberra creative community has been swift to offer their condolences in response to the news, citing Smith's place in the city's scene as a vibrant hub for live music, comedy and other events.

"We're sorry to hear that yo're closing up shop, you've been a Canberra institution!" wrote the administrators of Canberra Roller Derby League's page. "Thank you for your awesome support of CRDL in our early days, and best of luck for the future."

In an interview with City News, venue owner Domenic Mico explained that, despite solid audience turnouts, widespread frugality arising from punters' own financial concerns had resulted in minimal spend and, thus, unsustainable profits as business revenue plunged by about half its value.

"We are playing to full houses, but people have no spare money," he told the paper.

Smith's has a full calender through to its final day of operation — tonight will see another instalment of the venue's Thursday Jazz events, with Caitlin Harnett, Josh Rennie-Hynes and Liam Gerner hitting the stage tomorrow night for an evening of folk-roots-Americana-rock goodness.

The Bon Scotts hold the privilege of being the final act booked for a show at Smith's while it is still operational — they play on Saturday night — but consequently scheduled performances, which included gigs featuring Ree Nay & Marianne Scholem, Key Grip & The Guitar Cases, Teddy Conrick & Rafe Morris, the Tom Vincent Trio, BandJava, and Jessica Stuart Few & Marta Pacek, will have to find alternative arrangements in order to go ahead.

See the bookshop's Facebook page for more information.