Simple dispute puts thriving café at risk of shutting down, leaving its future uncertain
- Replies 0
A local cafe and bar now faces an uncertain future as an unexpected challenge threatens to change everything.
It's a cherished spot for coffee, cocktails, and live music, but it's facing difficult times due to a single complaint—one with far-reaching consequences.
Once a thriving hub of community and creativity, it now stands at a crossroads, its future hanging in the balance.
Adrian Galindo, the owner of Milledges Distillation, has been 'put through the wringer' since the complaint was lodged in April 2024.
What began as a hope for an amicable resolution has spiralled into a financial and emotional whirlwind.
Galindo and his wife, the heart and soul of this family-run establishment, are on the brink of losing everything they've worked for.
'It's just me and my wife. We're not a big developer or anything. We're a family business,' he said.
'There have been moments when me and Helen have just been reduced to tears.'
The noise complaint, initially made to South Australia's Consumer and Business Services (CBS), was later referred to the Licensing Court of South Australia and even caught the attention of the City of Port Adelaide Enfield council.
Despite Galindo's earnest attempts to be a 'good neighbour' by attending conciliation talks and investing $40,000 in soundproofing measures, closure looms large.
The soundproofing efforts included noise-suppressing doors, adjustable sound systems, and minor structural changes, yet these have not been enough to satisfy the powers that be.
The council has hinted at the possibility of requiring further structural changes, which could not only force Milledges Distillation to close temporarily for renovations but also come with an eye-watering price tag of up to $250,000.
The financial burden has been crushing. Galindo has already poured more than $50,000 into this battle, including around $10,000 in legal fees, as he's had to hire a lawyer to navigate the treacherous waters of this dispute.
With each passing day, the fear that the additional costs will be the final nail in Milledges Distillation's coffin grows stronger.
When approached for comment, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield council directed inquiries to a statement on its Facebook page, emphasising its efforts to work with both parties and its desire for the business to continue operating successfully.
'Council received concerns from nearby residents regarding Milledge's' compliance with its liquor license and looked into the matter accordingly,' they wrote.
'We sought to work with both parties to address the concerns and ensure the business was operating in accordance with its approval.'
'We have made various recommendations to the business on how to resolve these issues, including suggestions on how to reduce noise levels.'
'Throughout this process, the business has been permitted to continue to operate without any restrictions, and at no time have we sought to close the business down.'
'We value Milledge's contribution to the community and want the business to be able to continue to operate successfully.'
'This matter is now currently before the Licensing Court, and it is inappropriate for us to comment further whilst these proceedings remain unresolved.'
However, with the matter now before the Licensing Court and a directions hearing set for 8 April 2025, the future of Milledges Distillation hangs in the balance.
This tale serves as a stark reminder to all small business owners of the fragility of their dreams in the face of regulatory challenges.
It's a cautionary story that underscores the importance of community support, the complexities of compliance, and the potential for one complaint to escalate into a full-blown crisis.
As we stand in solidarity with the Galindos, we must ask ourselves: Could our local favourites be next? What can we do to ensure that the cultural fabric of our communities, woven by establishments like Milledges Distillation, remains intact?
In other news, in Victoria, noise is considered unwanted and can impact health, particularly by disrupting sleep.
The Environment Protection Act restricts unreasonable noise in residential areas, setting specific prohibited hours for different activities. You can read more about it here.
Have you faced similar challenges in your business endeavours? How have you navigated the delicate balance between compliance and survival? Your insights could be a beacon of hope for those sailing through similar storms. Join the conversation below.
It's a cherished spot for coffee, cocktails, and live music, but it's facing difficult times due to a single complaint—one with far-reaching consequences.
Once a thriving hub of community and creativity, it now stands at a crossroads, its future hanging in the balance.
Adrian Galindo, the owner of Milledges Distillation, has been 'put through the wringer' since the complaint was lodged in April 2024.
What began as a hope for an amicable resolution has spiralled into a financial and emotional whirlwind.
Galindo and his wife, the heart and soul of this family-run establishment, are on the brink of losing everything they've worked for.
Milledges Distillation in Port Adelaide is at risk of closure due to costs from a noise complaint. Credit: Google Maps
'It's just me and my wife. We're not a big developer or anything. We're a family business,' he said.
'There have been moments when me and Helen have just been reduced to tears.'
The noise complaint, initially made to South Australia's Consumer and Business Services (CBS), was later referred to the Licensing Court of South Australia and even caught the attention of the City of Port Adelaide Enfield council.
Despite Galindo's earnest attempts to be a 'good neighbour' by attending conciliation talks and investing $40,000 in soundproofing measures, closure looms large.
The soundproofing efforts included noise-suppressing doors, adjustable sound systems, and minor structural changes, yet these have not been enough to satisfy the powers that be.
The council has hinted at the possibility of requiring further structural changes, which could not only force Milledges Distillation to close temporarily for renovations but also come with an eye-watering price tag of up to $250,000.
The financial burden has been crushing. Galindo has already poured more than $50,000 into this battle, including around $10,000 in legal fees, as he's had to hire a lawyer to navigate the treacherous waters of this dispute.
With each passing day, the fear that the additional costs will be the final nail in Milledges Distillation's coffin grows stronger.
When approached for comment, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield council directed inquiries to a statement on its Facebook page, emphasising its efforts to work with both parties and its desire for the business to continue operating successfully.
'Council received concerns from nearby residents regarding Milledge's' compliance with its liquor license and looked into the matter accordingly,' they wrote.
'We sought to work with both parties to address the concerns and ensure the business was operating in accordance with its approval.'
'We have made various recommendations to the business on how to resolve these issues, including suggestions on how to reduce noise levels.'
'Throughout this process, the business has been permitted to continue to operate without any restrictions, and at no time have we sought to close the business down.'
'We value Milledge's contribution to the community and want the business to be able to continue to operate successfully.'
'This matter is now currently before the Licensing Court, and it is inappropriate for us to comment further whilst these proceedings remain unresolved.'
However, with the matter now before the Licensing Court and a directions hearing set for 8 April 2025, the future of Milledges Distillation hangs in the balance.
This tale serves as a stark reminder to all small business owners of the fragility of their dreams in the face of regulatory challenges.
It's a cautionary story that underscores the importance of community support, the complexities of compliance, and the potential for one complaint to escalate into a full-blown crisis.
As we stand in solidarity with the Galindos, we must ask ourselves: Could our local favourites be next? What can we do to ensure that the cultural fabric of our communities, woven by establishments like Milledges Distillation, remains intact?
In other news, in Victoria, noise is considered unwanted and can impact health, particularly by disrupting sleep.
The Environment Protection Act restricts unreasonable noise in residential areas, setting specific prohibited hours for different activities. You can read more about it here.
