Shebeen to shut down
Melbourne not-for-profit bar and bandroom Shebeen, which is right next to a CBD police station, will close its doors after breaching its liquor licence.
The infringement notice was issued late last year by the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR).
The place will close down on June 25.
According to Shebeen, lawyers had told the venue the infringement was not lawful. An appeal last month failed.
Part of the problem might have been the venue’s proximity to the Melbourne East police station.
Back in July last year, Victoria Police issued a formal warning to Shebeen regarding noise complaints.
Owner Simon Griffiths said it was a matter of some regret for the Manchester Lane venue
“Over the last 12 months it has become apparent that the wall of our bandroom is shared with the Melbourne East Police Station’s sleeping quarters,’’ Griffiths said in a statement.
“As a result we have received significant pressure from the police and the VCGLR [Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation], and we received an infringement notice from the VCGLR which we have unsuccessfully appealed.”
“We’re deeply regretful that we won’t be able to see out all of the live shows that were booked after this date and are working flat out with The Venue Collective to find new homes for all these shows.”
“We owe a huge thank you to everyone that has been a part of Shebeen to date, and would love to see you for one last non-profit song, bánh mì or drink before we close our doors.”
Under its not-for-profit model, Shebeen sold beer and wine sourced from developing countries. The proceeds were donated back to development projects in the products’ country of origin.
Griffiths is also the founder of Who Gives a Crap, the unique toilet-paper company that donates half its profits to WaterAid to build toilets and improve sanitation in the developing world.
by Leon Gettler, 13th June 2016
