Comments on: UPDATE: Shift still operating

By: Rick Collins

Rick Collins — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 11:00:47 +0000

Shift should have paid their bills!!!

People cant just walk in and takeover unless they have a court order to do so

By: SJ

SJ — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:56:25 +0000

I agree with David Skidmore’s comments. We live on the northern beaches and feel quite comfortable socialising in our local communities. We also love trekkin’ in to Oxford St (what’s left of her!) every 4 to 6 weeks, i’ve loved The Shift since she was Tropicana (that’s how young i am!). But as David said, times do change. As long as The Shift is there i’ll support her, but less often and from a distance.

By: Korey

Korey — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 15:14:07 +0000

Arunta have issued a media release which has been forwarded to SSO for comment and editorial.
As stated in article above it’s ‘Business as Usual’ at The Midnight Shift Hotel and I thank everyone for there comments to date.
Korey Barrett
Licensee – The Midnight Shift Hotel

By: Asquith

Asquith — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 03:46:57 +0000

Ahhh so this is why most of the bar men have been replaced with buff rude STRAIGHT guys – You can tell they dont want to work there, the look on their faces are always offensive.

PLEASE dont shut it down!!!

By: George

George — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 23:22:27 +0000

If Tim Berry is the owner of Midnight Shift why would he need to talk to the Landlord? Or has he sold out years ago?

By: David Skidmore

David Skidmore — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 21:59:40 +0000

I agree with Tim A. One of the major changes of the last few decades is greater acceptances of the presence of gays in the wider community. That means that gay people feel comfortable going down to their local pub or club and socialising there. And if you live in the Shire, Hills district, the South-West or the Northern Beaches, Oxford St is a bloody long way – especially if you don’t want to drink and drive (or shell out megabucks for a taxi).

I’ve had some great times at places like the Shift. However, I’m getting older and the times they are a-changing. And like I said, many younger gays now may not feel the need for gay-specific venues.

Maybe we’re not drinking as much as we used to as well (although that’s open to debate from what I’ve seen in Oxford St).

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 13:51:55 +0000

A gay Sydney institution. If the Shift closes it would be a terrible loss and we would certainly need to see something open in its place. Regardless of the changes in the world today, there will ALWAYS be a demand for venues where gay men can hang out and socialise together

By: Tim A

Tim A — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 10:09:19 +0000

Much as Berry may be a genuine support of the gay community and various community organisations, I don’t think these are the primary criteria people use to determine where to go clubbing.

Overall, I just think the community’s changed a lot in the past decade or so and the bar business has failed to change with it. This is of course one of a hundred different theories that will end up doing the rounds.

By: Patti

Patti — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:20:03 +0000

All Gay Bars or Straight Bars for that matter care about is “PROFIT MARGINS”

So forget the concept of Community…You will not find that in a PUB.

DRUNKS
DRUG F*CKED QUEENS
VIOLENCE
SECURITY WITH ATTITUDE

These are what you find in the “Bar Scene”….Sad but true. Thus I’m always confused why people care so much about PUBS.

Cheers xxoo

By: Scott D

Scott D — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 08:15:42 +0000

ex customer, I do have some sympathy with your comments on the same music being played week in, week out.

Sunday night retro has become a case of the-same-songs-in-the-same-order, and it’s such a shame, because there’s no need for that sort of conservatism. Music is such a big part of our lives, and it’s really disappointing when the venue starts to resemble an FM radio station.

Management and DJ’s, please take note. In all facets of life, diversity is a good thing!

By: Mark d

Mark d — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:25:49 +0000

@Mac : Damons comment was made last night before this story had been edited. It originally did refer to the rumors that it was in receivership & this was in the title. This current story bears little resemblance to last nights which asked more questions than it could answer.
The story has since been expanded when more info came to light.

By: ex customer

ex customer — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:20:40 +0000

I for one welcome a change at the Shift. For a long time now the staff have been unbelievably rude and even evicting peaceful groups when managers friends come in and start trouble… the friends get to stay whilst the group who get assaulted are shown the door. As for the actual music etc, same dj’s and same shows make for a boring venue eventually.

By: Damon H

Damon H — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 06:19:41 +0000

Mac et al,

My comment about the “R” word were placed whilst the article suggested just that. Note the time of 10.55pm last night.

The article has since been modified/clarified to reflect the correct situation.

Scott, please feel free to remove my comment of last night as it is no longer relevant. I also thank you for clarifying the situation overnight so quickly.

By: Peter Cross

Peter Cross — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 03:31:54 +0000

Perhaps John Ibraham will take it over – would that make him the new Dawn O’Donnell?

By: Mike Smith

Mike Smith — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 03:16:32 +0000

There is no doubt that Tim Berry is a genuine philanthropist, with many years donating to the AIDS Trust, Hope for Children Orphanage in Cambodia, and other organisations to which he has never asked for recognition. He should be admired for that.

As for the demise of gay bars, doesn’t anyone see the irony in us fighting for equality, to be accepted like the mainstream, but then complaining when “gay venues” eventually close down and as the Oxford street area becomes mainstream?

By: Merlot

Merlot — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 01:13:27 +0000

Chilli, you hint darkly at a conspiracy “they” are running to close gay venues.

Do you suspect George Pell, Graham Richardson or maybe it’s the sinister Stonecutters…

“Who controls the British crown?
Who keeps the metric system down?
We do, we do.”

By: Scott

Scott — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 01:02:17 +0000

Michael and Patti
Regardless of your personal feelings, the fact is the Shift and every other venue plays a significant role in the community that is far more detailed than a place to drink and dance.
These venues are places for people to meet, to talk, for community groups to hold fundraisers and encourage new members to get involved.
They are key cogs in the spreading of safe sex messages and instrumental in uniting siginificant parts of the community. While they may not be your part of the community, to dismiss it after such a shallow thought process is short-sighted and naive.
Shame on your for not understanding and respecting out community’s diversity a little more than beyond your own doorstep.

By: Nick Noise

Nick Noise — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 23:47:42 +0000

I agree with Michael and Pattii.

Also, ‘recievership’ is spelt receivership. Goodness gracious!

By: Adam

Adam — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 23:47:22 +0000

chillisauce100, regardless of how long it has been closed for renovations, the Imperial Hotel has NOT closed down. It will re-open, regardless of your negative assumptions. Get your facts straight.

There are plenty of reasons why a gay venue might close, not just because people can’t stand seeing us on the street. How about the huge drug use in the gay clubbing community? SO many people choose to take drugs like G instead of drinking alcohol, and that doesn’t help the bar sales of the club at all! That’s just one contributing factor among many that force our clubs to close.

I do hope the Shift bounces back and becomes stronger than ever.

By: Mac

Mac — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 22:35:21 +0000

Weird how people read things into a story at aren’t there (Damon h comment above)…. Story says it understands it is NOT in receivership. Also, where does it cast any accusation against Tim Berry – read before you bleet knucklehead.
My two cents worth – Tim has been an outstanding supporter of the gay community and so has the Shift – we can only wish the best for everyone concerned and hope any change of ownership keeps the old girl in business and trading.
Mac