ABOUT / FAQ
About The Venue
It was the romanticised era of flappers, suffragettes and bootleggers. While Prohibition has long gone, the legacy of the speakeasy still stands. Most significantly, Prohibition introduced a sophisticated drinking culture. It is this labyrinthine experience that Prohibition Brisbane presents, where illicit spaces showcase recycled materials fused to raw modernism.
The macho overtones of saloons pre1920s were previously a men’s only territory – and the bad women who associated with them. But the speakeasy introduced a co-ed experience of jumping jazz, The Charleston and muddled moonshine liquor. Illegal drinking dens sprang up in basements and back rooms, open only to those who knew the password – and even then, through a grill before the door was fully opened. As with anything of taboo, defying the law became a game: secret rooms housed secret passages, trap doors and fake walls.
The long remembered six o’clock swill pre-World War II had washed any chance of a drinking culture away in a tide of machismo binge-drinking. The classic cocktails of the 1800s celebrated the raw taste of liquor, usually enjoyed upon waking as a restorative to clear the head and settle the stomach from the previous evenings antics. Prohibition’s cocktails however, were aimed at camouflaging the rough taste of moonshine, for the full effect; immediately and effectively. Whiskey taking its time to age for full enjoyment, saw rum and gin – especially the made-on-the-premises bathtub-gin – take the reins at ruling the hooch roost. The austere Old Fashioned, Martini and Manhattan gave way to the fancy spritz of Southsides, Highballs, Bees Knees, Tom Collins, The Gin Rickey and Sidecars.
Prohibition Brisbane reconditions the illegal drinking den for the thoroughfare of Fortitude Valley. From Wickham Street, their glittering sign is immediately reminiscent to Broadway shows and musicals. Descend the grand stairway, the entrance beautifully and gently illuminated with the latest in technology as spheres of LEDs cascade below to interiors seasoned with organic motifs of Art Deco. Soft carpeting leads to an even grander entrance of recycled Tongue n Groove Timber double doors, while to the right is speakeasy-style bar,The Blind Tiger.
The feature wall of raw brick and dim light fittings of filament bulbs nestled within booze bottles, instantly craft a rather adulterous and clandestine atmosphere from this snug space. From the tiger-marble topped bar finished by recycled steel, a select list of cocktails, wines and strong liquor are served up. This long room houses comfortable clusters of wooden tables and chairs and leather chesterfield lounges for a raw and independent space; the cosy nooks and crannies are a perfect escape for intimate discussions and romantic misunderstandings.
The impressive timber double doors lead into the Prohibition Main Hall where the large open space runs with themes of shadows and dim illumination. Timber-beaded chandeliers, filament bulbs and raw brick peacefully merge. The copper pipe fittings running the length and breadth of the brick walls remain as ghosts from previous tenants, slyly eluding to the bathtub gin connections of the time from which Prohibition has been inspired.
The large square bar is the hallmark destination as a pillar to the clubs proceedings and a stark welcome leading to the dancefloor and DJ booth. Elbows can run across three finishes of different surfaces as legs brush up against differing verges, from timber panelling topped by marble, oversized weatherboards with polished cement and millboard crested by recycled timber tops. It’s a sophisticated drinker’s dream. Staff garbed in glittering headpieces, two-tones, pinstripes, bowties, vests and suspenders deliver every liquid concoction imaginable, from Prohibition signatures to classics and muddled mixtures.
From the surrounds of the main hall, lush lounges run parallel to the club. The novelty of LED drop-tubes and neon batons light up the dancefloor, where the DJ booth of recycled timber adorned with vintage mirrors boasts a gramophone alongside the state-of-the-art DJ equipment. Here, Prohibition are Brisbanes masters in ambiance and aural pleasure, home to some of the best DJs and live musicians all delivered through the state of the art Function-One sound system. Prohibitions Ballroom dancers- supplied by Legs Eleven Entertainment, dazzle patrons with their Quickstep, Tango and East Coast Swing, seamlessly transitioned by the charming contemporary BPMs from accompanying musicians.
The Piece de Resistance for ladies, has to be the luxurious Ladies Powder Room, not only featuring French reclining chaises and large body length mirrors, but ladies can also take advantage of complimentary hair and makeup from our amazing team of professionals. The men are also treated to exquisite bathrooms, embellished with graphic art of a tommy gun toting gangster inspired by the Prohibition era.
CONTACT
Email: info@prohibitionbrisbane.com.au
Phone: 0478 189 396
Address: 206 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
FAQ
What ID is required for entry?
Prohibition requires a valid ID in the form of a Passport or a registered Drivers Licence (written in English only) or a government issued Proof of Age Card.
What type of music do we play?
Over the weekend in the Main Room we play a mix of house and electronic music provided by our resident DJs. While outside in the Garden Bar is a more relaxed mix of house, pop and RnB Classics
I lost something at Prohibition
Please email us at info@prohibitionbrisbane.com.au to enquire about Lost Property.
Do we have an ATM?
Yes, this is located in the foyer
Do we have a cover charge?
Only on Saturday ($10 after 10PM).
Free entry Thursday & Friday (unless a ticketed event occurs)
What is our dress code?
Management reserves the right to refuse entry to any person considered unsuitably attired. More information regarding appropriate dress codes for both men and women is detailed below.
DOOR POLICY & DRESS CODE
FOR THE GUYS
The standard Prohibition look is a collared, button-up shirt worn with jeans or dress pants and dress shoes.
Denim jeans okay
Shorts okay (in Summer)
Collared shirts preferred
Fashion T-shirts are acceptable
Fashion canvas shoes or designer sneakers are acceptable
FOR THE GIRLS
The dress code is simpler for the ladies; just wear whatever you feel the most glamorous in.
FOR EVERYONE – DON’TS
Even though Prohibition allows jeans, they cannot be really daggy, saggy, or excessively torn.
No thongs, runners or steel caps
No athletic apparel or hooded sweatshirts
No singlets or tank tops
No excessively torn or saggy jeans
No beachwear, work uniforms or hats
No indecent clothing or obscene or offensive prints
No costumes or fancy dress **Exemptions apply for specific events and functions
Footwear is to be worn at all times
No visible tattoos above the collar and no offensive tattoos*
*We understand tattoos are a fashionable part of culture for which we embrace, however it is Prohibitions policy not to permit anyone with visible tattoos above the neckline (collar). As long as tattoos on arms, hands, legs pr any other part of your body aren’t of an offensive nature, its fine. We celebrate self expression and want people to dress up and enjoy themselves.
Management reserves the right to refuse entry to any person considered unsuitably attired.
Management reserves the right to make changes to the dress code without notice and decision of management is final.
If you’re intoxicated, by law we cant let you into the venue. Please don’t be offended and come back another night!
You must be 18+ years old and hold a valid photo ID for admission.
If you have any further questions, please email info@prohibitionbrisbane.com.au
SCANNER PRIVACY MANAGEMENT
Click here to download a copy of our Scanner Privacy Management Plan
ANTI-VIOLENCE POLICY
“Prohibition has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to any aggressive behaviour and sexual harassment or misconduct.
Anyone who engages in fighting, harassment of any kind, or other destructive behaviours, will be punished by receiving a minimum 1 year ban from our venue, which may effect your entry into all venues within the city and valley safe night precincts.
At Prohibition, our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone who enters our nightclub. If you see any behaviour that risks your safety or the safety of others, please tell the closest staff member at the club, and the matter will be dealt with according to our zero tolerance policy.
We take these issues very seriously, so If you feel like you have been treated unacceptably and would like to lodge a detailed complaint, please write to us at info@prohibitionbrisbane.com.au where we also encourage you to reach out if you’re seeking further information regarding these important matters.
We value your patronage, and regard your safety within our venue as highly as we regard your good times!