The owners of Milledges Distillation, a beloved cafe and live music venue in Port Adelaide, are facing severe distress due to a single noise complaint from a local resident. Since owner Adrian Galindo was first notified of the complaint in April 2024, he has attempted to resolve the issue amicably, but nearly a year later, the situation has escalated significantly. He has reported spending over $50,000 in efforts to address the noise concerns, which he fears may ultimately drive the family-run business to closure.
Galindo and his wife, Helen, who run the venue together, have felt the emotional strain of the complaint, expressing moments of despair. The initial complaint was submitted to South Australia’s Consumer and Business Services, leading to involvement from the Licensing Court and the City of Port Adelaide Enfield council. Despite attending conciliation talks and dedicating additional resources—around $40,000 on soundproofing measures such as noise-suppressing doors and adjustable sound systems—the couple claims they have not reached any compromise. Instead, they have been informed that further structural changes may be necessary to reduce noise, potentially costing up to $250,000 and requiring the venue to close for an extended period.
Galindo has also incurred approximately $10,000 in legal fees and is worried that the ongoing costs could spell the end for Milledges Distillation. He argues that, as a small family business, they do not have the financial means to sustain such additional expenses.
In response to inquiries regarding the situation, the City of Port Adelaide Enfield council acknowledged receiving complaints related to the venue’s compliance with its liquor licence and stated they are working to address these concerns with both parties involved. They clarified that the business continued to operate without restrictions throughout the process and underscored their commitment to supporting Milledges as a valuable community asset.
Currently, the matter awaits a directions hearing set for April 8, 2025, in the Licensing Court, putting Adrian Galindo in a precarious position as he anticipates a resolution while grappling with the threat to the future of his business.
In the meantime, he remains hopeful that a fair compromise can be reached, allowing Milledges Distillation to continue serving the community that it has so passionately served over the years.