Sauna X by 357, the Darlinghurst sex-on-premises venue next to nightclub ARQ, has been granted a liquor licence after moving into the former Bodyline premises almost six months ago.
NSW Liquor & Gaming records show that on September 4 the business was approved for a new on-premises liquor licence, with a start date of the next day.
Sauna X by 357 manager Glenn McNamara told Gay Sydney News he was thrilled the licence had been approved. He said the sauna was about a month away from serving alcohol at its bar and lounge area.
“We did not expect this approval to happen as suddenly as it did, so we now need [to] prioritise a renovation of the bar area and have all the staff training completed,” he said.
The licence allows for alcohol to be sold from midday to midnight, 7 days a week, and comes with several key conditions similar to those placed on Oxford Street’s Sydney Sauna, which also holds a liquor licence.
Under Sauna X’s licence, entertainers at its bar and lounge area are subject to rules prohibiting simulated sex acts, mandatory clothing standards, and no physical audience participation other than the placement of money or money equivalent in the clothing of the performers.
“Entertainers who leave the defined stage area are to wear at least a ‘G’ string,” the conditions state.
There is also to be no spruiking or touting for business immediately outside the premises or in the near vicinity. All external doorways and windows are to be screened to prevent any viewing of entertainment from outside the premises. Prostitution is also strictly prohibited.
Additionally, CCTV monitoring is required, with footage available upon police request. However, this monitoring excludes the sauna and dark rooms but includes entrance points and the bar.
The premises must also adhere to strict safety measures, including no under-18s, anti-violence protocols, and an incident register. There must also be restricted liquor service on Good Friday and Christmas Day, and specific social impact limits based on community expectations.
Records show that police raised no concerns with Sauna X’s application for the liquor licence but requested conditions noted within a community impact statement and a plan of management condition.
Two public submissions from unnamed parties were received objecting to the application. Objections related to trading hours, disturbance to the neighbourhood, and patrons’ judgement under the influence of alcohol and lack of management intervention.
Meanwhile, two public submissions supported the application and there was an additional neutral submission.
Support for the application was received from LGBTQIA+ health organisation ACON, which described the premises as a safe environment. Sydney City Steam (also known as 357), where Sauna X’s manager Glenn McNamara previously worked before it closed, also submitted a letter supporting both the application and McNamara.
The City of Sydney council raised no concerns with the granting of the liquor licence.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
