A representative of Sydney’s Ivy Nightclub has apologised and said they are “mortified”, “deeply upset” and “extremely distressed” after a contractor’s “unauthorised” sound test disrupted this morning’s ANZAC Dawn Service in Martin Place.
According to witness reports in the Sydney Morning Herald, the service was interrupted “at least five times” by “extremely loud” dance music coming from the George Street nightclub, including during the moment’s silence.
Numerous attendees approached the nightclub to complain about the noise, but the music continued.
A statement from Merivale Group, which operates the Ivy, says the venue “worked with police” to close 90 minutes earlier than their usual 4am closing time this morning in an attempt to minimise noise.
“We are mortified and deeply upset about noise reports during the dawn service and apologise unreservedly to those in attendance for any disturbance,” the statement reads.
“A third party contractor accessed the venue after close and conducted unauthorised sound testing for an event later today. He behaved in a terribly insensitive and completely unacceptable, thoughtless way.”
The contractor was “immediately terminated” this morning, according to Merivale.
Attendees took to Twitter during and after the service to express their resentment at the interruption.
Beautiful Dawn Service at Martin Place. A real shame some moron at The Ivy was pumping music even through the minute's silence.
— pottymouthmama (@pottymouthmama) April 24, 2015
https://twitter.com/Carbonconjob/status/591708954742231040
Big shout out to ivy nightclub who decided to turn their music up in the middle of the dawn service. #respect #LestWeForget
— Terry Steer (@terry_steer) April 24, 2015
People on George st for Sydney Dawn Service say Ivy nightclub played music during the minute silence. Crowd upset & disappointed.
— Jayne Azzopardi (@JayneAzzo) April 24, 2015
https://twitter.com/rudd_shane/status/591680203488788480
https://twitter.com/rudd_shane/status/591680323198459904
