Sydney Restaurateur Paints Streetlights, Faces $7000 Cleaning Bill

Nahji Chu, owner of Lady Chu restaurant on Roslyn Street in Potts Point, painted over streetlights last month after launching a petition that described the lights as excessively bright at night. The City of Sydney spokeswoman said the council had adjusted the lights to the lowest level permitted under national standards and would restore them because any further reduction would breach public safety obligations.

The council confirmed it had advised Chu she will be charged for a cleaning bill estimated at more than $7000. Chu stated she has not yet received the bill and said she would take the matter to court if one arrives. She also called for City of Sydney chief executive Monica Barone to resign and for Lord Mayor Clover Moore to take a redundancy package.

Chu opened Lady Chu during the pandemic.

The dispute began about 14 months ago when bright lights were installed on Roslyn Street. Earlier this year she had a separate disagreement with the council over planters and outdoor furniture. Chu has asked the council to dim the lights from 6pm and to use warmer-toned lighting suitable for a hospitality area.

The council spokeswoman said the petition had not been formally presented and that the lighting technology requires contractor attention for adjustments. Councillor Lyndon Gannon said he assisted Chu with the lights last year. The council stated it has not referred the matter to police but will report any further deliberate damage to council property.

When the lights were turned off late last week, Chu said she would wait until Wednesday to see whether they remained off.