February 25, 2026 — 12:26pm
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The outspoken owner of Melbourne’s famed Cherry Bar has stepped down after complaining – without the knowledge of the bar’s partners – that protesters were harming the city’s small businesses.
James Young on Sunday posted the anti-protest message on Cherry Bar’s social media channels and said regular weekend protests meant the bar had to stop hosting its Sunday afternoon blues performances.
James Young has stepped away from Melbourne’s famed Cherry Bar.Wayne Taylor
“The protests vary but the pain is consistent,” he said. “Enough is enough. I just can’t understand why our council and our government favour the ‘rights’ of illegal protesters (for a large number of varied causes) over the rights of long-term small business operators to open their doors and trade, trying desperately to reignite the ailing Melbourne hospitality industry and pay our bloody rent!
“Please. Hear me out. Of course Cherry Bar has a heart and a real passion for freedom of speech, HOWEVER Melbourne, after two long years surely we can sit down and find a better way forward …”
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On Wednesday, the bar’s other owners said they were “aghast” to read the comments and had no warning Young would make the post.
“The views in that post do not represent the views of Cherry, the other partners, our staff, or associates,” the partners said on the bar’s social media account.
“Rock ‘n’ roll has protest in its DNA. Its tradition platforms outsiders, amplifies rage, and turns noise into community, reminding us all that rebellion can be not just loud and creative, but hopeful too.”
Following a meeting with the partners on Wednesday, Young agreed to step away from the company “for the time being”, the partners said. “He has expressed his sincere remorse and understands the harm of his actions.”
Young, who was dubbed Melbourne’s night mayor for leading efforts to revitalise the city following COVID lockdowns, declined to comment when contacted by The Age.
He is not alone in his criticism of Melbourne’s frequent protests. Business groups have complained of demonstrations disrupting trade and scaring off potential customers from attending the city on weekends.
Young and Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece in June.
Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece has condemned the regular Sunday pro-Palestine protests, and told Sky News in October 2025: “We need to have our city back. Our shopkeepers need to be able to have a full week of business without disruptions.”
Several anti-immigration marches in the city attended by neo-Nazis have received widespread condemnation.
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Angus Delaney is a reporter at The Age. Email him at angus.delaney@theage.com.au or contact him securely on Signal at angusdelaney.31Connect via email.From our partners