Popular Wollongong nightspot Three Chimneys could be forced to close its doors at 11pm on weekends if an application to Wollongong City Council to stay open is unsuccessful.
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The bakery and bar, which has been open since February in the old Pasta Fina factory building, has been operating under trial conditions that allow it to stay open until midnight on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
But this is due to end on August 30, after which the closing times will revert to 10pm on Thursday and 11pm on Friday and Saturday if the trial is not extended.
Owner Brad Davies said the venue was asking for the trial to continue for a further two years because closing earlier on those three days was not good for his business or patrons.
"If Three Chimneys shuts early on those nights, it would directly affect us financially, as well as Wollongong's nightlife community," he said. "We designed it to be a bar everyone can come to and relax without violence, that closes at midnight and then everyone goes home instead of staying out till 3am in the morning getting wasted."
He said it was already difficult for the venue to open on Wednesday and Sunday nights, because the 10pm closing time didn't suit some patrons.
"For example, there are people who want to book functions and would prefer us to be open to 11 or 12, so they can sit and relax with their friends after dinner," Mr Davies said.
The application asking the council to extend the trial noted a noise complaint made in May, which resulted in police asking for a noise assessment.
Mr Davies said his business had several similar complaints since February and had been working with neighbours and licensing regulators to reduce the noise.
"We're very committed to making this work, and looking at sound insulation and other things to block any sounds going out into neighbouring buildings," he said.
Assessors recommended noise-reduction measures, including placing noise-absorbent panels around the venue, sealing gaps and considering the construction of a new entry.
An extension of the trial would allow these measures to be tested and improved, the documents lodged with the council said.
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