inthemix | News | 2am curfew protest tonight!

Today The Age reported on Melbourne’s 2am Locked Out protest set to occur at 5pm at Treasury Gardens. The Government’s looming ban on patrons entering bars and venues after 2am has provoked a furious response from members of generation-Y, though it’s safe to say we’ll see quite a few generation-Xers at the protest as well!

The article reported that several prominent musicians are supporting the campaign run by Melbourne Locked Out spokesman Andrew Ranger, including DJ Grant Smillie, Jet lead singer Nic Cester and You Am I’s Tim Rogers, though no indication about whether they will be in attendance tonight was given.

“Melbourne doesn’t have an Opera House or a Harbour Bridge or world-famous beaches,” Ranger commented. “It does have a world-famous cultural nightlife and musical hub that is going to be taken away from us and handed over to other cities. Sydney recently relaxed its liquor licensing laws to compete with Melbourne’s bar scene.”

This view seems to be shared by many ITMers on the forums. Many in the scene feel strongly about the proposed curfew and are willing to fight for it! Last week Andrew Ranger informed those that attended an industry based Melbourne Locked Out meeting that local DJs and bands will be playing at the protest and that various kinds of music would be provided to showcase Melbourne’s diverse music scene and nightlife.

According to The Age, Andrew Ranger stated that the protest will now conclude with a peaceful dance party. It is still unknown who will be playing. Word on the street is that 20,000 to 30,000 supporters will make their way down to Treasury Gardens today from 4pm to show their extreme displeasure to the proposed curfew.

The Age warned that the protest is expected to cause traffic chaos on Spring Street and surrounding streets, while many inner-city venues will close between 5pm and 7pm, so please keep that in mind tonight when leaving work or venturing into the CBD.

It must be expressed that the protest will be a DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE ZONE. Organisers are firm on this! ITM will be there on the ground at the protest, reporting on the event with photographers and reviewers. See you there!