Prince, Madonna, Ed Sheeran have been turned away from Australian bars thanks to lockout laws
Even celebrities can't get a drink in Sydney, Australia late at night.
Some of the biggest names in the world have been turned away from Sydney nightlife venues due to the city's strict lockout laws, which came into force in 2014, and prevent people entering licensed premises after 1:30 a.m. in the city's centre.
The public submissions to an upcoming review of the lockout laws have just been released, and amid the complaints from venues losing lots of money, there is a list of names that is more fitting to a Grammy's after party.
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Prince, Madonna, Drake, Marilyn Manson, Ed Sheeran and the Smashing Pumpkins are among the musical stars that have been refused entry to numerous venues, according to a letter to sent to the review by hospitality group Merivale, which owns a number of pubs, hotels and clubs around the city.
Before the lockout laws, the late Prince himself performed in 2012 at Merivale's Ivy Ballroom from 2 a.m. into the wee hours of the morning at one of his legendary parties, alongside Seal and Flavor Flav. Seriously. Such an event would be unlikely to happen under the current lockout laws.
Just imagine what could have been when Prince had a surprise tour to Sydney back in February. Australians could have had one last live performance of Purple Rain at the Ivy.
Merivale also said high-profile sporting stars were refused entry due to the lock out laws including Houston Rockets player James Harden, playing members of the Arsenal and Chelsea football clubs and members of the British Lions Rugby team.
The company noted such refusals have generated negative social media comments, which tarnishes Sydney as an international dining and hospitality destination.
The arguments are stacking up against the city's lockout laws, which are due to be reviewed in August. Supporters cite a decrease in violence as a reason to why the laws should be kept the way they are, while critics say they have destroyed the culture of Sydney.
Whatever happens, one thing is for certain: it's too late for any Prince after parties.
[h/t Business Insider]
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