Sydney’s Club 77 instils a new policy — no unwanted staring

Staring in a Sydney nightclub might get you and your wandering eyes thrown out. Recently, Club 77 implemented an additional rule that accentuates their zero-tolerance policy on harassment — “Staring Without Consent”.

Having been around for 20+ years, the popular club at Darlinghurst in Sydney’s inner east area has taken an extra step to beef up its security and rules to create a “safe space” for patrons. This policy change developed from a rise in club-goers who did not share the same ethics and values as the club and what club culture truly used to be.

According to their Instagram post, this additional policy was also to educate new club-goers on what’s not acceptable to do in their space. The absence of nightlife during the huge two-year gap of COVID-19 made a huge impact on everyday behaviours and, within night space, well… Things can go to a very unacceptable threshold.

The club also states that “any engagement MUST begin with verbal consent.” However, they do encourage club-goers to interact with strangers. But if you cross the line — like staring at someone and that attention is unwanted — you’ll be kicked out or even handed over to the authorities. It also states that the club is “not a place to come to if your sole purpose is to pick up”, which heavily accentuates its safe space tag.

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Open every night, Club 77 has also provided a “Safety Officer” that will be able to tend to any complaints or concerns during your night out. They won’t be hard to find; spot them wearing pink fluorescent vests.

Over the recent years, the awareness of consent has really taken new light with multiple reports of unwanted harassment sweeping the globe, as social media has become a major platform for victims to share their stories and not be hidden within the shadows of their abusers.

Through the comments section, there are individuals who both support and reject their new policy updates through a heated debate. The club has also mentioned that they “encourage feedback” understanding there might be very different views amongst individuals.

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Those who are for the change have commented “Amazing!!! Positive party culture all the way!”, “Thank you for looking after your peoples”, and “This is very very good! I hope it’s truly and heavily enforced. Always great to feel safe in a venue”.

There are also those who have rejected their policy, commenting things like “If this place is still open by Christmas I’ll be surprised.”, “So will 77 be liable if someone is falsely accused and therefore victimised by the club and not only thrown out but police called....what a fucking joke, this is what’s wrong with the world...”, and “Another symptom of extreme COVID lockdowns - stupidly.”

So, what’s your say on this policy? Yay or Nay?

Miki Kitasako is Mixmag Asia’s Social Media and Content Producer, follow her on LinkedIn.