EXCLUSIVE 'Nanny state' uproar as armed cops STORM packed Sydney cocktail bar and shut it down because owner was a few days late with his licensing paperwork: 'Prohibition'
Officers pulled the plug on festivities at Song of Eve, a popular nightclub on Bridge Street in Sydney 's CBD, about 12.30am on Sunday, June 29.
About 380 revellers were booted from the upmarket venue, which has a maximum capacity of 100 people including staff, while the party was in full swing.
Song of Eve's alcohol licence was suspended on June 26 after the club failed to pay a renewal fee, with heavily-armed officers wasting no time busting their way in.
Tactical police officers returned to the club on Wednesday - armed with a battering ram - to execute a full-scale search warrant and seize the remaining alcohol at the bar.
Officers were seen ferrying $700 bottles of Don Julio tequila and a $750 bottle of Dom Pérignon from the venue and into a waiting police van.
The club's owner, 32-year-old owner, financier Min Ho 'Conrad' Song, has been charged with seven offences with maximum penalties of up to 12 months in jail and $60,000 fines.
But the raids have sparked a political firestorm, Daily Mail Australia can reveal.
Libertarian member of the NSW Legislative Council John Ruddick described the venue's licensing infringement as a 'victimless crime'.
'Nanny state regulations like this make alcohol a taboo and contributes to our dysfunctional relationship with alcohol. Song of Eve is obviously a popular venue. I hope it can return to business as normal immediately.'
Paul Nicolau, the executive director of Business Sydney, said the nightspot should be praised for bringing in crowds and warned the police against waging 'prohibition-style' raids.
'As an advocate for CBD businesses, we can't condone one allegedly operating without a current liquor licence,' Mr Nicolau told Daily Mail Australia.
'However, any "raids" should be by government agencies responsible for boosting the CBD economy to discover the secret of Song of Eve's success.'
He added the 'last thing we need in our vibrant city' is 'raids that are reminiscent of America's prohibition era'.
The upmarket venue boasts a lengthy cocktail menu and private VIP services for $5,000
The upmarket venue offers premium table service packages on its website including a $5,000 private space replete with a dedicated waitress, a three-litre bottle of Belvedere Vodka, a top-shelf tequila and a bottle of Dom Pérignon.
Mr Nicolau said authorities should look to work constructively with the venue and avoid conducting raids that may hamper Sydney's recovering nightlife.
'This nightspot is clearly doing something right if it can attract hundreds of customers to the heart of the city,' he said.
'Our night-time economy needs more of this, not less. Let's hope the relevant government agencies can work with the Song of Eve owner so that it can operate meeting all regulatory requirements.'
In a statement to the Daily Telegraph, a spokesperson for Song of Eve said: 'The licence renewal was overdue by one day – an administrative oversight that would be rectified.
'We are co-operating closely with authorities to ensure ongoing compliance with its licensing conditions.
'We have also engaged with licensing specialist solicitors to review the matter as it was a one day overdue renewal.'
Song of Eve's owner, Mr Song, also serves as the founder and managing director of Sydney financial services firm Maqro.
He was charged with seven offences including selling liquor without a licence, operating unlicensed premises, employing unlicensed security, failing to produce a licence on request, exceeding venue capacity and failing to comply with DA conditions.
He was granted bail and is due to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on July 23. If convicted, certain offences carry maximum penalties of $57,500 and 12 months' imprisonment.
Mr Song and Song of Eve were contacted by Daily Mail Australia.
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