Shift court battle starts today

The legal battle expected to decide the ownership of the Midnight Shift will start today.

Clarence Cruz, who with his partner Tim Berry owned the nightclub up until three weeks ago, sent out a text message to rally supporters last night.

The message read: “2pm Wednesday, tomorrow, Supreme Court Lvl 8, 184 Phillip St.

“If you have time you are most welcome to attend.

“Let’s get the Shift back.”

The Shift has been under the control of the landlord, Arunta Investments, since the morning of Saturday, July 3 when it changed the locks on the premises.

The Arunta Group has owned the building that houses the Oxford St hotel since 2008 and leases it to the Midnight Shift’s trading company, Bluejoy Pty Ltd.

Arunta is understood to have taken possession of the venue under terms set out in the lease.

Berry and Cruz will claim that Arunta took control of the venue without the proper notice period and is using the businesses stock and equipment unlawfully.

The Arunta Group declined to comment when contacted last night.