Tweet Facebook Mail A popular Sydney pub has been ordered by council to drastically reduce the hours punters are able to dine and drink at the venue. The owner of the Old Fitzroy in Woolloomooloo claimed he received notice from the City of Sydney on Friday that the pub's outdoor dining license had been reduced to 8pm. The watering hole - which is one of Australia's last surviving pub theatres - had been operating al fresco dining along Dowling Street until 10pm for more than 18 years.
READ MORE: 'Tech king' missing after luxury superyacht sinks in freak storm A popular Sydney pub has been ordered by council to drastically reduce the hours punters are able to dine and drink at the venue. (Supplied) James Thorpe, the director of Odd Culture which owns the Old Fitz, said the decision was made without any consultation after a complaint from a neighbouring premises. Thorpe has now launched a petition for community support as the pub attempts to submit an application to have the order reviewed and overturned by council.
"We are saddened that council have chosen not to work with us, or indeed even offer us procedural fairness, instead choosing to silently wind back our hours," he wrote. "We're incredibly disappointed to share this news, as the sudden reduction in hours means guests won't be able to use our outdoor tables during dinner service each night." Under the current laws, a venue can be shut down following a single noise complaint.
The Old Fitz also faces a c.