Former Dog and Duck workers question whether Hindley St nightclub closure is ‘PR stunt’

Former workers at a controversial CBD nightclub have described a “toxic culture” – and questioned whether it is really closing its doors.

Dock and Duck owner David O’Connell outside Hindley St venue, which announced its closure in mid December. Picture: Emma Brasier

Former workers at one of Adelaide’s most controversial nightclubs question whether the nightspot is actually closing doors, suggesting it might just be another of the venue’s infamous PR stunts.

They say owners simply may want to start afresh after the former club was mired by a toxic workplace culture.

A number of former Dog and Duck workers, with more than a decade of combined experience with the club, said its owners told employees they were considering reopening the business in the new year.

Last Thursday, management took to social media to announce the venue would be shutting its doors for the final time on January 1st, but was “encouraging all regulars to come cheers a drink” in its final weeks.

But one former worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said owners had no plans of selling up.

“They pulled us all in for a meeting and they told everyone that (the closure announcement) was going to happen before it happened,” he said.

“They told the workers it was all a marketing stunt … purely for media attention.“

The Dog and Duck posted to social media in mid December announcing its closure. Picture: Facebook

The former worker said owners told them they planned to use the closure period to renovate and rebrand the controversial venue under the name Label.

On December 4, an ABN was registered for Label Night Club by the Trustee for Dog N Duck on Hindley St, with a renewal date of December 4, 2026.

The venue is owned by the Vegas Group, which also runs The Woolshed on Hindley, the Black Bull, and District Nightclub.

Another worker said the Dog and Duck’s business “had been struggling lately” and claimed there was a culture of toxic behaviour at the venue.

Former workers have claimed the Hindley St venue was mired by a toxic workplace culture. Picture: Campbell Brodie

The worker claimed there was also pressure on DJs and entertainment providers — who were hired as subcontractors — not to work at other venues.

The nightclub has been no stranger to controversy, coming under fire for a number of door promotions over past years.

In 2019, the venue suffered backlash after handing out condoms and offering free entry for those who brought them back used.

In another promotional bid, the club advertised that it would be offering “real life puppies” in the venue for patrons to take home — prompting an inundation of calls to the RSPCA, which the latter organisation labelled a “waste of resources”.

In 2018, the Dog and Duck posted an ad on social media for a “Red Tins & Darts Party” with “Free Durrys!” — but was forced to cancel after a stinging public rebuke from health and industry groups.

The Dog and Duck’s management did not respond to requests for comment.

The venue’s announcement was one of a spate of December closures, including fellow CBD nightclub Fat Controller — which copped a $5000 fine for breaching Covid restrictions in 2020, CBD restaurant Super Bueno, Hawaiian-inspired bar and eatery Hades Hula House and nightclub Super California.