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Australian DJ Rallies Against "Whinging Yuppies" For Filing Noise Complaints Against 20-Year-Old Nightclub

The club has been in the area longer than any of the residents, yet they're still trying to close it down.
DJ Timbee, via Facebook.

One of the most consistently frustrating obstacles facing nightclubs is the battle against noise complaints, often from residents who have moved into the area long after the nightclub in question first opened. In these situations, nightclubs that have been local institutions for years suddenly find themselves threatened by the neighbourhood changing around them, rather than the other way round.

Jack Rabbit Slim's—a nightclub in Perth, Western Australia—recently found itself falling foul of this culture, when a note appeared on the bulletin board of an apartment block encouraging residents to "put in noise complaints" against the "excessive noise" coming from the venue, which has been in the area for over 20 years. Local DJ Timbee (Tim Lanzon) took to Facebook to protest what he describes as an "active campaign against the venues", in a post that has since gathered serious traction online.

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In the post, Lanzon rightly points out that not only has the club been in the area for more than two decades, but that the area at large is a known nightlife district. He adds that Jack Rabbit Slim's and the other surrounding nightclubs all predate any residential complex. The problem as he sees it, is simple: "these whinging yuppies took up residence in a completely inappropriate location."

Lanzon has received a lot of support following his post, not just from clubbers and other DJs, but also from some local residents. Ace Basik, who lives directly opposite the club, commented detailing that he "bears the brunt of any noise" but is completely prepared to "accept the fact [I] live in a nightlife precinct." Perth City Councillor Reece Harley has also offered his support, commenting: "If you're seeking peace and quiet don't move next door to a nightclub. Period."

This whole story goes way beyond a dispute somewhere in Western Australia. The very fact that situations like this are sparking conversations all over the world, and the support it has garnered, shows the potential for a change in attitude. The precedent here is set to support the introduction of the "agent of change principle"—legislation that protects the rights of venues which were in areas prior to the arrival of residential complexes. Last week Sadiq Khan posted a statement on Facebook detailing his plans to introduce the principle in London, a massive step for protecting London's nightlife going forward.

Timbee is on Facebook.