The much-anticipated launch party for Moon Dog Brewery in Footscray’s Franco Cozzo building ended in disappointment as organisers were forced to cancel at the last minute due to the Maribyrnong City Council’s refusal to issue a fire safety permit. More than 600 media and VIPs were expecting a Wild West-themed event complete with a mechanical bull, cowboy-boot-shaped glasses, Tex-Mex inspired food, and rooftop cityscape views. Co-owner Karl van Buuren expressed his frustration at the situation, noting that the delay was unexpected and upsetting, especially after already postponing the opening by a week.
The issue arose from concerns raised by a safety officer regarding the encroachment of the fire hydrant booster assembly point onto the footpath, which led to the council’s refusal to grant the necessary permit. Despite efforts to work with the council in the hours leading up to the event, the permit was not secured in time, forcing the cancellation of the highly anticipated launch. This setback was a significant disappointment for the owners, who had put in a lot of effort and planning to make the event a memorable one for their guests.
Moon Dog Brewery’s Wild West opening was intended to be a grand celebration featuring Moon Dog drinks, Tex-Mex cuisine, entertainment such as mechanical bucking bulls, and unique Western-themed decor. The invite promised an exciting evening with a lively atmosphere and plenty of opportunities for guests to enjoy themselves and create memorable experiences. However, the unexpected delay and subsequent cancellation of the event left attendees and organisers alike feeling let down and frustrated at the turn of events.
The old Franco Cozzo building in Footscray was set to be transformed into a vibrant brewery and entertainment venue, adding a new dimension to the local hospitality scene. Moon Dog Brewery had plans to create a unique space that would attract both locals and visitors, providing a fresh and exciting option for dining, drinking, and socialising in the area. The setback with the fire safety permit was a significant hurdle in achieving this vision, but the owners remained determined to overcome the challenges and move forward with their plans for the venue.
Despite the disappointment of the cancelled launch party, Moon Dog Brewery’s owners, Josh Uljans and Karl van Buuren, remained optimistic about the future of their establishment. They were committed to working with the council to resolve the issues that led to the permit denial and continue with their plans to open the brewery to the public. The setback was a temporary obstacle in their journey to establish a successful and popular venue in Footscray, and they were determined to overcome it and fulfil their vision for Moon Dog Brewery.
Overall, the unexpected cancellation of Moon Dog Brewery’s Wild West opening in Footscray’s Franco Cozzo building was a disappointment for all involved, but it did not dampen the owners’ enthusiasm for their project. Despite the setback, they remained determined to work through the challenges and bring their vision to life. With their commitment to creating a unique and vibrant space for the community, Moon Dog Brewery was poised to become a popular destination in Footscray, offering locals and visitors a new and exciting option for dining, drinking, and entertainment in the area.
