“We are bitterly disappointed by this."
Music venue Clancy's Fish Pub Fremantle have been unable to secure a liquor license to set up a pop-up bar in Victoria Hall while closed for three months of renovations.
Last week they announced they had secured a new 20-year lease, would be closed as Sunday 15 June for the “long overdue” renovations, and had plans to operate from a pop-up bar in on Fremantle's High St – Exile On High Street.
Unfortunately, a last-minute “hiccup” with the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor means they have been unable to secure the correct licensing to operate out of Victoria Hall.
“We are bitterly disappointed by this and the decision of Racing, Gaming and Liquor. We were looking forward to reinvigorating a classic Fremantle building and providing an exciting entertainment programme as well as providing steady work for our staff during the renovations period at Clancy's Fremantle,” entertainment director Tom Fisher said.
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
Fisher told theMusic.com.au they were looking into applying for temporary licenses to run numerous events at Victoria Hall in order to fit in bands that had booked shows throughout the three months of renovations.
“It was nothing to do with the Fremantle Council; they've been nothing but supportive. It was the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor…they didn't like the precedent we were setting,” he added.
The renovations will look to extend the trading area of the Cantonment St venue. A 'beefed up' PA system is also in the plans.