Adrian's bar got one noise complaint. It's cost him $50k already

Thursday, 20 March 2025 14:56

Now the Port Adelaide venue owner fears it could put him out of business.

The owners of a South Australia watering hole say they have been "put through the wringer" and fear they'll be forced to shut down over a single noise complaint from a local resident.

Milledges Distillation is a cafe, bar and live music venue nestled just a few streets back from the water in Port Adelaide and until recently, it was thriving.

Owner Adrian Galindo was first made aware of a noise complaint in April 2024 and says he hoped to resolve it amicably.

Milledges Distillation is a cafe, bar and live music venue in Port Adelaide, South Australia.

Almost a year later, he's spent more than $50,000 trying to put the complaint to bed and fears if the costs keep mounting, the venue will go out of business.

"It's just me and my wife. We're not a big developer or anything, we're a family business," he told 9news.com.au.

"There have been moments when me and Helen have just been reduced to tears."

Have you got a story? Contact reporter Maddison Leach at mleach@nine.com.au

The original noise complaint was made to South Australia's Consumer and Business Services (CBS) in April last year, then referred to the Licensing Court of South Australia in July.

The complainant also raised the issue with the City of Port Adelaide Enfield council in October 2024.

Galindo attended conciliation talks.

"We want to be a good neighbour. We don't want to be that idiot who makes too much noise ... but there has been no compromise," he alleged.

Galindo also invested in $40,000 worth of soundproofing for Milledges Distillation, including noise suppressing doors, adjustable sound systems, and minor structural changes.

Despite his efforts to address the issue, Galindo alleged that he has been told by council that the venue may be required to make structural changes to further reduce noise.

He claimed that these changes would force the venue to close for an extended period for renovations and could cost up to $250,000.

He has hired a lawyer and claimed he has spent about $10,000 on legal fees already.

Given how much he's already spent trying to address the noise complaint, Galindo believes the addition costs would put Milledges Distillation out of business.

When contacted for comment, City of Port Adelaide Enfield council directed 9news to a statement shared to its official Facebook page.

"Council received concerns from nearby residents regarding Milledge's' compliance with its liquor license and looked into the matter accordingly," it read.

"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."

The SA Licensing Court confirmed to 9news that the complaint was referred to it in July and is awaiting a directions hearing on April 8, 2025.

Until then, Galindo must wait and hope that a compromise can be reached.