Night life v the Nimbys: how a culture of complaining is frustrating inner Sydney

Steve Latimer, manager at the Cricketers Arms hotel, says the pub’s Wednesday live jazz night has seen strong crowds but it is a shame extra seating capacity outdoors is suddenly gone. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The Guardian

Eighty centimetres and one frustrated neighbour was all it took to force the Cricketers Arms hotel to pack away its street dining.

The Surry Hills pub had set up three tables and six chairs on the footpath that lines its entrance. As Sydney was enjoying the beginning of its post-pandemic and post-lockout night-time summer renaissance, the atmosphere at the pub – known to locals as The Crix – was booming.