A ridiculous set of rules that Club 77 was forced to follow before closing its doors after being ‘harassed’ by the cops

A Sydney nightclub has been forced to close one of its most popular events as the incredible set of rules it was forced to follow were laid bare.

Club 77 in William Street, inner suburb Darlinghurst, which has been running for a quarter of a century, has launched a new weekly event which will run from 6am on Sunday to 4am on Monday, August 25.

But the new project, which aimed to provide “an after-hours experience for industry, hospital workers and the community,” was halted after just six weeks.

A New South Wales Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia officers were investigating “a report of a serious violent incident” that occurred in late August.

“The investigation also covers licensing issues,” he said.

Licensee Dane Gorrel claimed the club had been subjected to “constant harassment and intimidation” from local police.

“It’s been non-stop,” Mr Gorrel told the Sydney Morning Herald, adding that police had been “extremely negative and dismissive” when informed of the plans before the night even began.

The publication reports Mr Gorrel received an email from a Kings Cross police officer saying he was looking into whether there were more than 20 people in the queue for the venue after 2am and if there were more than two abreast.

Sydney nightclub Club 77 claimed it was “harassed” by NSW police, including questions about how big the queue was to get in and whether there were more than two abreast. A queue for Club 77 is shown

Licensee Dane Gorrel said the club had been subject to “harassment and intimidation” from local police (pictured, police patrolling Kings Cross).

The email also reportedly asked whether the club’s distribution system – no one entered a full club until someone else left – was working as required and whether it was open longer than that. which was legally permitted.

Mr. Gorrel said 13 officers and a dog patrolled the club recently. “There was literally one police officer for every 12 square meters of floor space,” he said.

The licensee also said police had requested the club’s financial records relating to all sales over the past six weeks, such as drinks and ticket sales, as well as incident logs and CCTV footage of the last three weekends.

Although police said they were “investigating a report of a serious violent incident”, the club’s head of operations, Luke Thompson, said he was not aware of any such incident. kind.

“If they (investigate), they haven’t told us,” he said.

On Thursday, the club announced on social media that Sunday nights had been canceled until further notice due to pressure from a “certain government agency.”

“We are genuinely concerned about the actions of this governing body and the risks they pose to the safety of our community, the night-time economy, the venue and our personal safety as directors and owners,” they said. declared.

Club 77 had recently received a $100,000 government grant for soundproofing.

Luke Thompson (pictured), head of operations at Club 77, said he was unaware of the incident which police said they were investigating

Nighttime Economy Minister John Graham was asked at a hearing in New South Wales state parliament whether the venue was being harassed by police.

“I’m aware they’ve had some issues recently, but I don’t know the details,” he said.

At the same hearing, NSW Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues said he was aware of the situation but had not discussed it with the hearing venue.

Mr Graham told Daily Mail Australia on Sunday: “We cannot afford to lose any more venues in Sydney.

“We want to keep the ones we have and we want their doors open.

“The Economy Commissioner 24 hours a day is in contact with the industry, the venue and the police on this matter.”

Mr. Gorrel added: “The only thing holding this state back with these vibrancy and nightlife reforms is the police… Everyone is afraid to speak out.”

The police spokesperson said “Kings Cross Police work closely with all business and community partners to keep the community safe.”

Kings Cross Police Inspector Martha Winch said inspections were carried out regularly at the premises to prevent alcohol-related assaults.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Club 77 for further comment.