Club 77 in Darlinghurst, Sydney bans staring at strangers in bid to become ‘a safe space’

An iconic nightclub has divided revellers with its strict new policy banning ‘staring’ at a stranger from across the dancefloor or bar without prior ‘verbal consent’.

Long-established venue Club 77 in the heart of Sydney’s Darlinghurst party strip has overhauled its safety and harassment policy to make the venue a ‘safe space’ that promotes a strong culture of consent amid a crackdown against harassment.

The venue stresses interaction with strangers is encouraged but says engagement must now start with prior verbal consent or will otherwise be considered as harassment and will result in being evicted from the club.

The rules also apply when staring at a stranger from afar and not respecting the personal space of DJs.

Safety officers donning pink fluoro vests will roam the venue to deal with such complaints from anyone feeling ‘uncomfortable’ or receiving unwanted attention.

‘​If we receive reports of any behaviour that has made someone feel uncomfortable, the reported individual will be removed from the venue and the police will be called,’ the rules stipulate.

‘We adopt a policy of ‘always believe the report’ in cases of harassment and feeling unsafe.’ 

‘We do this to make everyone feel safe and to ensure our patrons are comfortable approaching staff if anything has made them uncomfortable or feel unsafe.’

Once a favoured haunt for Sydney’s goth scene, Club 77 now attracts a dance music crowd.

The venue, which recently celebrated its 25th birthday is ‘busier than ever’ after trading hours were extended until 4am seven days a week.

Staring at a stranger from across the dancefloor or bar without prior consent is now banned at Club 77 (pictured) as part its strict new rules

‘Unfortunately, this has also attracted some people who do not share our values and ethics when it comes to club culture, consent and harassment,’ Club 77 posted.

‘We’re thankful that incidents of harassment have been very rare, but in our eyes just one incident is too much.’

‘We also also have an obligation to educate new club-goers and help them understand what is considered unacceptable behavior inside the venue and on the dance floor.’

The club has attracted widespread praise for its strong stance.

‘Thank you for looking after your peoples,’ one reveller posted.

Another added: ‘Wow love the idea of a safety officer! 

But not everyone is a fan. 

‘So extreme! Everyone look on the floor now! Omg where is the world going! Pathetic really,’ one woman commented.

Another disagreed: ‘This is not extreme it is responsible. Good on 77 for calling out that kind of behaviour and creating a safe space for all.’

 Revellers must also respect the personal space of DJs at the venue(pictured, DJs at Club 77)

Club 77 owner Dane Gorrel (left) is spearheading the pivot to a ‘safe space’

The rules have also divided dating and relationships experts.

‘If you can’t look across the room at someone to let them know you’re interested, it means you have to go up to them physically, invade their space, it is a more kind of forward approach,’ clinical psychotherapist Melissa Ferrari told the Daily Telegraph.

‘It is always a more lovely story, when it is a more organic in person story of looking at someone across the bar, that is a much nicer story than meeting someone online.’

Dating expert Samantha Jayne believes Generation Z are ‘hyper aware of issues surrounding harassment.

‘With the pandemic people have changed, they’re more anxious and less trusting of others,’ she said.

‘There is so much stalking being reported, the club is possibly just trying to protect their patrons.’

 Club 77 in William Street Darlinghurst has been a Sydney nightlife institution for 25 years