Ticket holders were turned away after Drifters Wharf was abruptly locked out over an alleged lease breach, shutting down the Gosford venue mid-service.
Blunt Magazine understands that the Central Coast venue was operating as normal on Saturday morning, with bookings in place, before a landlord-issued Notice of Re-Entry secured the premises and revoked access.
The notice, dated April 25, states that the landlord re-entered the site due to alleged non-payment of rent and breach of lease, terminating the tenancy and preventing staff and patrons from entering the venue.
Drifters Wharf: Notice of Re-Entry / Lock Out
Images of the notice began circulating across local community pages shortly after, with multiple people claiming they had booked tables or planned to attend events, only to find the venue closed without warning.
Images of the notice began circulating across local community pages shortly after…
What happened
- Venue: Drifters Wharf, Gosford
- Date: April 25
- Action: Landlord lockout and re-entry
- Reason: Alleged non-payment of rent and lease breach
- Status: Venue closed, future unclear
The sudden lockout halts all operations at the waterfront space, which has hosted live music, DJ events and large-scale parties since launching in 2021 and has become a regular fixture in the Central Coast events scene.
It remains unclear whether the shutdown is permanent or part of an ongoing dispute between the operator and landlord. Under NSW commercial leasing rules, landlords can re-enter a property if lease terms are breached, including non-payment of rent. However, guidance from the NSW Small Business Commissioner notes that lockouts and lease terminations can be complex and may carry legal risks depending on how they are executed.
No official statement had been issued at the time of writing, though a subsequent update shared by the venue outlines the impact on bookings and events.
Blunt Magazine has reached out for comment.
Further developments are expected as the situation unfolds.
Update: Venue confirms bookings impacted
An update shared by the venue indicates that the shutdown is linked to an ongoing dispute with the landlord, with immediate impacts on bookings and events.
According to the statement, all shows and functions over the next 30 days will be relocated to alternative venues where possible, with refunds offered where required. All reservations have also been cancelled until further notice.
MORE IN Music
