Shenannigans’ licence conditions do not allow ‘nightclub or disco style music or entertainment’

Mitchell St venue Shenannigans’ ridiculous 19-year-old licence conditions allow only “shows consistent with the theme of the premises” - and that means no disco. Picture: Supplied

The Mitchell St venue’s ridiculous 19-year-old licence conditions allow only “shows consistent with the theme of the premises, but shall not include nightclub or disco style music or entertainment”.

And the idea that Shags would only stage live fiddle shows or play songs by Johnny Logan, Sinead O’Connor, U2, The Cranberries, Thin Lizzy, Clannad, Rory Gallagher, Van Morrison, Westlife, The Corrs and jigs from the Riverdance soundtrack doesn’t sit right with licensee Justin Coleman.

This looks Irish enough. Picture: Mark Brake.

“We were just a bit worried that disco style was going to come back into vogue,” Mr Coleman said yesterday, poking fun at the very specific condition in the venue’s licence.

“We’ve tried to have the condition changed because it’s so open to interpretation.”

The pub did actually feature Irish fiddle music more than a decade ago for a short period until “people got sick of that”.

Mr Coleman said Shenannigans had evolved and while it retained its Irish decor and name, it had a broader appeal.

“Shenannigans is a modern Australian bar and restaurant facility offering a broadly similar experience to that of most pub venues across Australia and Darwin,” Mr Coleman wrote in his application to licensing authorities.

“Our Irish style name is maintained to evoke thoughts of a fun-filled and enjoyable pub experience.”

Our licence conditions oblige us to not like your sort around here. Picture: Supplied

The ban on disco and nightclub music “doesn’t adequately reflect modern entertainment styles” Mr Coleman wrote.

“Modern music categories are much broader and very few contain disco music”.

The details of the application were revealed by Darwin City Council in its agenda for tonight’s meeting. The council has flagged its opposition to another aspect of the plan, which would involve changes to the alfresco dining area at Shenannigans.

The pub has conditions that its alfresco area must “have the appearance of a dining area” and food must be “predominantly” served by table service.

The venue wants to use only half the space for meals.

“The removal of these conditions from the licence ... would not comply with the policy objectives or policy statements for the council’s outdoor dining policy,” a report written by council staff for Alderman said.

“Any variation to the footpath alfresco dining area licence conditions must comply with (the policy).]”

Mr Coleman said Shenannigans had an exemption from the council’s policy.

Source: NT News, Ben Smee, July 14^th 2015