Proprietors of the Oxford Art Factory are seeking new council regulation changes, to expand the venue’s classification and trading hours in the face of resident complaints. OAF publican Mark Gerber is running a grassroots campaign online, encouraging punters to email their local representative and sign the venue’s online petition, which has already collected over 800 signatures.

Present council regulation calls for a trial period around late night trading (12am-6am), to protect against drunken and disruptive behaviour. Local residents have attacked the OAF, saying patrons block the road and footpaths in the early hours, fighting and leaving refuse.

Gerber says this is simply not true, and that any problems stem from other popular nightspots in the immediate area. “We have operated since early 2007 without incident,” he says. “Both the Police and Council agree that the OAF is well managed.”

The petition, along with supporters’ letters, calls for a waiver on the yearly trial period for extended hours, letting the OAF run smoothly and saving the venue a considerable amount of paperwork. Additionally, proprietors hope to gain approval for daytime trading conditions that would allow the OAF to operate as a live entertainment space between 11am and 6pm.

Oxford Art Factory currently exhibits art and movies during these hours, to an all-ages crowd and often free of charge, but Gerber hopes to add music and private functions to the venue’s daytime repertoire. “The benefit to the industry and young artists is that we can provide access … on a day where there is a high demand for entertainment,” he said.

“With all the amazing acts … and the popularity of the venue, why would we need to change?” Gerber goes on, seeking to allay worries the venue might reduce live music and operate solely as a nightclub.

To read more about the issues or to sign the petition head to the Oxford Art Factory’s website.