Following a successful three-years in the game, Melbourne’s loved up live music venue Shebeen will close at the end of the month. Despite being a difficult decision, the venue was up against a tough resistance – literally.
In a statement via Broadsheet, the venue’s owner Simon Griffiths explained that the bandroom actually shared a common wall with not JUST Melbourne East Police Station, but Melbourne East Police Station’s sleeping quarters. Now after 12 months, Melbourne East’s finest have had enough, coming down on bar. Griffiths continues:
“As a result we have received significant pressure from the police and the VCGLR [Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation], and we received an infringement notice from the VCGLR which we have unsuccessfully appealed.”
All shows beyond June 25th will no longer be at the venue, however organisers are working with The Venue Collective – themselves in the process of closing down – to replace these gigs. This means the final show at the venue will be with your boy Phil Jamison.
The Shebeen is a not-for-profit set up that sells drinks from developing countries, and returns the profit to developing countries. The venue are keen to help their staff find new jobs given the sudden announcement, so if you’re looking for muscle drop them a line.
“We owe a huge thank you to everyone that has been a part of Shebeen to date, and would love to see you for one last non-profit song, bánh mì or drink before we close our doors.”
