Sydney council dims Lady Chu street lights

The City of Sydney has agreed to reduce the brightness of new LED street lights above Potts Point's Roslyn Street dining strip, ending a year-long dispute with Lady Chu owner Nahji Chu.

Council chief executive Monica Barone confirmed the change in a letter to independent MP Alex Greenwich on Wednesday. Greenwich mediated between Chu and the council.

Barone said the council had commissioned an independent review of the lighting above the street.

“The review found the lights meet current standards and also identified opportunities to further reduce light levels, to improve energy efficiency and extend the life of the lights,” Barone wrote. “We are happy to let you know that we have been able to reduce the light levels further.”

The decision reverses the council's earlier position that the lights could not be dimmed because of the risk of injuries and lawsuits.

Chu, who runs the Vietnamese restaurant that anchors Roslyn Street, had argued the "smart" lights were far brighter than those on surrounding streets and hurt the venue's atmosphere. She called them “interrogation” lights and claimed they were installed to punish her for criticising Lord Mayor Clover Moore's leadership. The council has not accepted that claim.

“I’m just glad it’s over,” Chu said. “I feel heard and I feel strong. They should have just listened in the first place, but they have now, they’ve acted, and that’s the main thing.”

Chu's campaign began last year, when she criticised Moore and Barone on social media and enlisted celebrity diners. Guests were handed sun visors at dinner, and umbrellas were used at night. This year she painted over four of the lights, and the council billed her $10,659 for the clean-up.

Greenwich said the outcome reflected the council's commitment to outdoor dining.

“This issue has been a hot topic in Potts Point, and I’m pleased we’ve reached a resolution that reflects the City of Sydney’s commitment to outdoor dining and preserves the vibe Lady Chu has created,” Greenwich said.

“Roslyn Street has changed over time and is now a vibrant dining destination, thanks in large part to Lady Chu.”

Jonathan Jackson, 1st October 2026