Oxford Hotel Announces New Licencee

Given the demise of many gay venues in recent times, it is exciting to learn of the return of the Oxford Licencee.

Sydney gay scene identity Roger Z says Sydney needs a complete gay venue that is not offer a tokenistic acceptance of gays.

Z, who was appointed the venue’s licensee four weeks ago, comes to the job with impressive credentials. As licensee of the sorely missed Newtown Hotel from 2003 until the venue closed in 2007, few are in a better position to do implement the changes he wants to see at the Oxford.

He was also at the helm of the Colombian for its first year, and perhaps most significantly, at the Oxford from 1989 to 1998; years many people will say coincide with the venue’s heyday.

Z wants the Oxford to become a community hub with a real community feel again.
He cites getting involved with the community, supporting and hosting community events as the key focus here.

Z plans to re-establish the whole of the Oxford as a gay hotel. At the moment, it’s quite divided, with separate spaces – some gay and some mixed or straight.

As mentioned here on Gay Traveller before, Z agrees that Oxford Street has lost it. But with a lot of gay people in Sydney, he says that they have no where to go.

As for the NSW Government instituted lockouts, the other big problem facing a number of gay venues at the moment – including the Oxford – Z is optimistic. Z says that he doesn't think the lockouts are fair, but says that they are somethng that he will have to work with.

Let's celebrate the return to 'gay' of the Oxford Hotel with the return of Roger Z.