The Beat Megaclub director Ross Stephen Hannay on drugs, weapons charges

One of Brisbane’s most prominent nightclub industry figures has been charged with a range of drugs and weapons offences, including allegedly possessing a gun.

The director and manager of one of the state’s most well-known nightclubs has been charged with numerous offences, including allegedly possessing a gun.

Ross Stephen Hannay, who is the manager of The Beat Megaclub and the director of the company behind it - Ann St Holdings Pty Ltd - faced court for the second time earlier this week on a number of charges dating back to late last year.

The nightclub manager, who yesterday celebrated his 60th birthday, is due to again face Brisbane Magistrates Court in March after he was allegedly in possession of dangerous drugs and weapons - including at least one gun.

Ross Stephan Hannay, director and manager of The Beat Megaclub.

Hannay was charged with nine offences, including possessing dangerous drugs, unlawful possession of a weapon, possessing property suspected of having been used in connection with the committing of a drug offence, and several other drug related offences.

Online business records show Hannay had previously also owned a watch market stall under the name of What’’ch Up, as well as another store called Ticktock Records, that converts vinyl records to wall clocks.

The Beat Megaclub is the longest-running nightclub in Australia. Picture: John Gass

Hannay has posted extensively on his personal Facebook account about The Beat Megaclub, including the role COVID-19 has had on the business.

In one post from June of last year, he shared a petition calling for the reopening of the popular venue.

“The Beat Megaclub is the longest running nightclub in Australia and has been open 365 days a year for 36 years (until now) - catering for everybody espesially the LGBTQ community and a safe place to party and have fun,” the petition written by Hannay said before going on to urge his community to support the club.

The neon signeage of the Beat Megaclub on Ann St, Fortitude Valley. Picture: AAP/David Clark

Hannay is related to the late John Hannay, who founded the iconic gay nightclub in 1983.

Despite his denial of any involvement, for many years there had been speculation John Hannay, who passed away in 2019, was embroiled in the 1973 Whiskey Au Go Go firebombing that claimed the lives of 15 people.

Ross Hannay is due to face court on March 15, where his appearance is required.

Before publishing, The Courier-Mail made multiple attempts to get in contact with Hannay and The Beat Megaclub.