This Sydney pub just won a fight over proposed dance floor caps and AI facial recognition

The Marlborough Hotel, AKA The Marly, in Sydney’s inner west will not have to enforce a dance floor density cap or install AI facial recognition technology, after the NSW Independent Liquor & Gaming Authority (ILGA) rejected several recommendations from NSW Police.

Several measures were put forward by NSW Police in an effort to curb a growing number of alcohol-related incidents that occurred at the popular Newtown haunt.

In the NSW Police application put forward to the ILGA, they cited more than 90 serious offences that allegedly took place at the venue between 2020 and 2025, including assault, drink spiking and sexual touching.

As per the application, NSW Police were looking to enforce a dance floor density cap of one person per square metre and the installation of AI-driven facial recognition technology to allow for greater surveillance.

Ultimately, the ILGA rejected these measures, saying the density cap would be “impractical to enforce” and could result in the loss of around 15 casual staff.

Furthermore, it was stated that ramping up facial recognition technology would deter “large numbers of law-abiding patrons” and it may create an “atmosphere of institutional surveillance rather than social enjoyment”.

Although some measures were rejected, the ILGA committee accepted some recommendations put forward in the proposal, including a post-midnight shot ban and a strict two-drink purchase limit per patron.

Overall, the density cap and surveillance rejections were welcomed by local representatives, with Newtown Greens MP Jenny Leong speaking out in favour of the move by the ILGA.

“We need a vibrant, welcoming nightlife, and there’s nothing more likely to dampen the party than having Big Brother tech watching over you on a dance floor,” she said.

And so, another chapter is added to the ongoing melee between NSW Police, who are pushing to curb antisocial behaviour, and local government representatives, who are working to revive the city’s nightlife.

For now, people can keep dancing (beyond one square metre) – but please be safe, respectful and keep it classy at the Marly, folks.

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