Fabric nightclub owner charged with DUI after allegedly crashing into parked Bentley

A Gold Coast nightclub boss faces a drink-driving charge after allegedly hitting a competing venue operator’s Bentley in Surfers Paradise. Read his lawyer’s response.

A Gold Coast nightclub operator has been charged with driving under the influence after he allegedly smashed into a parked Bentley on Monday afternoon.

Fabric nightclub owner Dave O’Connell allegedly hit the luxury car while driving a Ford Ranger Raptor ute. It is alleged the incident happened in the Top of the Mark carpark as the Bentley owner – Empire nightclub operator Matty Turner – was entering his vehicle.

Damaged caused to the Bentley. Picture: Supplied

Police confirmed a 54-year-old male has been charged with driving under the influence.

Mr O’Connell is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on July 16.

Mr O’Connell’s lawyer Ahmed Dib, the principal of Dib & Associates, said his client’s “position would be adequately discussed in future proceedings”.

Dave O’Connell’s lawyer Ahmed Dib, the principal of Dib and Associates. Picture: Max Mason-Hubers

The alleged incident comes in the wake of Glitter Strip nightclub operators raising concerns about Fabric heavily discounting drinks.

Operators on the city’s main party strip told the Bulletin last month they want action from authorities to avoid economic ruin and intoxication dramas as the new player Fabric promotes cheap booze.

Damaged caused to the Bentley. Picture: Supplied

Competitors say drink deals at $3 for a basic spirit – normally $12 a round – at Orchid Ave’s Fabric will “send everyone broke” and have complained it breaches responsible drinking rules.

The venue has been offering the deals for months, with a sign seen by the Bulletin promoting $3 basics “until 10pm every night!”.

Damaged Ford Ranger Raptor. Picture: Supplied

Police confirmed a 54-year-old male has been charged with driving under the influence.

Mr O’Connell is due to appear at Southport Magistrates Court on July 16.

Meanwhile, the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation hosted a meeting with operators of Surfers Paradise licensed venues last week to discuss the concern around heavily discounted drinks.

Attendees said just about every operator including Fabric was represented.

“There was a resolution that the drink pricing be changed upwards.

“OLGR laid out what are unsafe drinking practices and as a consequence all venues were asked to come into line with what is safe and practice.”

No “official” fixed minimum threshold was set but it was generally made clear $3 drinks were “ridiculous”, one said.

Mr Dib said on Mr O’Connell’s behalf: “He’s happy to work with the authorities and amicably co-exist with other operatorsin the precinct.”

Originally published as Fabric nightclub owner charged with DUI after allegedly crashing into parked Bentley