‘Nanny state': Outrage as police raid Song of Eve nightclub over alleged illegal trading
Hundreds of patrons were turfed out of the Song of Eve nightclub on Bridge Ln in Sydney as police stormed the building, shutting down the bar about 12.30am on Sunday.
'Officers … found several hundred patrons inside a business whose liquor trading licence had been suspended,' NSW Police said in a statement.
The bar's owner, a 32-year-old man from Forest Lodge, has been charged with seven offences.
They include charges for selling liquor without a licence, failing to produce a license to a police officer, and employing a bounce without a current RSA.
He was granted bail and will appear in court later in July.
NewsWire has contacted Song of Eve for comment.
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, a Song of Eve spokesperson said their licence renewal was overdue by just one day, which they labelled 'an administrative oversight that would be rectified'.
'We are co-operating closely with authorities to ensure ongoing compliance with its licensing conditions,' the spokesperson told the outlet.
'We have also engaged with licensing specialist solicitors to review the matter as it was a one day overdue renewal.'
Pictures from the raid show the impressive haul of high-end alcohol seized by police.
They includes Dom Perignon champagne worth $750 a bottle, $700 bottles of Don Julio tequila as well as dozens of bottles of wine and beer.
The venue runs a luxury $5000 VIP package, which offers a dedicated waitress and high-end alcohol.
Libertarian member of the NSW Legislative Council John Ruddick called the crack down an extension of 'nanny state' regulations.
'This is a victimless crime that has punished a business owner and his patrons,' Mr Ruddick said.
'The Sydney CBD should be pumping 24/7.
'We are known around the world for our stunning harbour, bridge and Opera House – people come here from everywhere and find a sleepy city after mid-evening.
Mr Ruddick said no business should have to pay a licence fee to sell alcohol and the 'nanny state' regulations 'make alcohol a taboo'.
He went on to claim they contribute to Australia's 'dysfunctional' relationship with alcohol.
'Song of Eve is obviously a popular venue, I hope it can return to business as normal immediately,' Mr Ruddick said.
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