Cherry Bar has issued a public statement today in response to the escalating controversy that has placed the iconic Melbourne live music venue under intense scrutiny over the past week.
In the announcement, the venue confirmed that owner and long-time booker James Young will step away from the business “for the time being” following internal discussions with partners; suggesting a pause rather than a permanent departure.
The statement is in response to backlash surrounding Young's now-deleted social media post where he said, in relation to regular protests in Melbourne's CBD,
Please. Hear me out. Of course Cherry Bar has a heart and a real passion for freedom of speech, HOWEVER Melbourne, after two long years surely we can sit down and find a better way forward.”
Cherry Bar's response has attracted a slew of support for both the venue and Young with some commenters noting today's announcement had managed to ensure all sides "were now pissed off".
Some commenters defended Young's right to an opinion while not necessarily agreeing with it. One commenter said, "I’m more aghast at this post than James’ post to be honest".
Media reports have traced the controversy back to Young’s criticism of ongoing protests in Melbourne’s CBD, where he argued that regular demonstrations were affecting foot traffic and trade for nightlife venues including fluctuating CBD attendance, rising operating costs and the long-tail recovery from pandemic-era disruptions.
