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Star Hotel riot

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The Star hotel riot, occasioned by the closing of a popular pub, was one of the largest riots in Australian history. An estimated 4000 people fought with police on the streets of Newcastle, New South Wales in 1979.

Background

The Star Hotel, in the West End district of Newcastle, Australia, was a pub and live music venue. It was popular with young people, the gay community and sailors, and featured drag acts as well as rock bands. The Star was run down, and had attracted negative attention from the authorities.

It was closed down by the owners, Tooth and Co. with only one week's notice, inspiring a protest campaign, and the Star's final night of trading was Wednesday, September 19 1979.

Riot

The Star's final night featured live music and free beer. At roughly 10PM, patrons began leaving the hotel and confrontations began with a small contingent of police. Rioting, including the throwing of missiles, arrests, injuries and the burning of cars, continued for more than two hours. The event was covered by local TV stations and made international news.

The Star Hotel closure was the subject of a song by Australian band Cold Chisel.

References

Baker, Kevin. Mutiny, terrorism, riots, and murder; a history of sedition in Australia and New Zealand. pp. 186, 187. ISBN 9781877058493.

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