Controversial Casablanca venue to open in Surfers Paradise amid fierce backlash

Furious residents will launch another fight against a controversial new venue after its opening date was announced. Find out what they’re planning.

Disgruntled residents of a party precinct are planning to take their fight against a controversial new entertainment venue to a civil disputes tribunal.

New hospitality spot Casablanca announced it would open at the Surfers Paradise riverfront on Cavill Ave this Saturday after it was granted a liquor licence.

Last month, Gold Coast city council warned the Tiki Village venue it must not operate as a nightclub following a flood of noise complaints lodged before it even opened.

Casablanca in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Richard Gosling

Dozens of people objected to Casablanca being granted a commercial hotel liquor licence because they believed it was being promoted as a nightclub.

Casablanca director Alex Said described the venue ahead of its opening as “an amazing waterfront entertainment hotel” with a “Moroccan-inspired” interior design.

Casablanca director Alex Said.

“It’s a new and exciting venue,” the director said.

“People can expect amazing food, cocktails and an amazing, luxury environment.”

Nearby Panorama Tower manager Cameron Moir said he was “bewildered” to learn the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) had granted a commercial hotel liquor licence.

A post from Casablanca announcing its opening. Picture: Instagram

He said a group of objectors would take the matter to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT).

“The venues promotes itself as a nightclub,” Mr Moir said.

“We have to wait to receive the official notification from the OLGR. My understanding is that 28 days from receiving the notice we will have the ability to go to QCAT and have it reviewed by a magistrate.

“So it will be interesting to produce the same evidence to a magistrate and see whether they agree it’s a nightclub or it’s a hotel.”

When asked about the claims, Mr Said responded: “We’re not going down that path again. I’ve got no comment for that.”

A social media image promoting Casablanca when it was located in Broadbeach. Picture: Instagram

An OLGR spokeswoman said Casablanca’s hotel liquor licence application was approved on June 27.

“In making the decision, the Commissioner considered the objections received, the suitability of the applicant, the impact the business will have on the amenity of the community and minimising harm from alcohol misuse and abuse,” she said.

“As such, in addition to the standard commercial hotel conditions, there have been special conditions in relation to the management of noise and security in and around the premises imposed on the licence.”

Last month, area councillor Darren Taylor said the council approved the relocated Casablanca - which formerly operated in central Broadbeach - under strict conditions.

“Development approval has been given for a commercial hotel only and it must not operate as a nightclub entertainment facility under the city plan,” Cr Taylor said.

“If they are operating outside their conditions, then our council officers will take action and investigate.”