Karaoke at a popular Engadine restaurant has been given official clearance after a problem with council “red tape”.
The Raya Thai restaurant, in Station Street, was operating on council approval given 30 years ago.
However, late last year, following a noise complaint, Sutherland Shire Council discovered the restaurant was not adhering to the trading hours set in December, 1986, and did not have approval for live entertainment.
The business was required to lodge a modification application, which the council has approved with a reduction in requested live entertainment hours.
Restaurant trading hours were extended to midnight all week, while live entertainment was permitted until 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and up to 11pm on Friday and Saturday.
The restaurant had sought a midnight finish for live entertainment.
In its decision, the council also placed restrictions on noise generated from acoustic or amplified music.
A council report said, throughout the period allowed for submissions from the public on the proposed new hours, one submission was received.
A Station Street tenant complained of loud karaoke and that “patrons leave shouting, screaming and littering the street with glass bottles”, the report said.
The Leader reported last year the restaurant celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 17 with a special event featuring Elvis impersonator David Cazalet.
The business had humble beginnings.
Owner Dedi Ho, along with his siblings Harry and Nali, moved to Australia from Indonesia in 1984 and opened an Indonesian and Thai cuisine restaurant Gajah Mada in Paddington.
They closed the restaurant and moved to Engadine in 1987.
Dedi and his wife Irwan expanded in 2001 by opening Raya Thai Helensburgh.
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