City investigations into Casablanca licensing continue
A popular but controversial Glitter Strip venue facing multiple underpayment claims is also facing heat from Gold Coast city regulators. Read why the Surfers hotspot faces closure threats
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A night spot facing multiple underpayment claims faces heat from Gold Coast city regulators, with the area councillor threatening court action to shut it.
The Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) confirms Nerang riverfront party venue Casablanca Surfers Paradise remains under investigation after being put on notice in 2023.
Last year the council slapped Casablanca Surfers with a show cause notice for allegedly “trading as a nightclub” despite development approval requiring it to operate as a hotel.
A council spokesperson said the City had complaints relating to the use of Casablanca in Surfers Paradise.
“Officers are investigating these matters. If breaches of approvals are found, the City will take appropriate action to have the breaches rectified,” the spokesperson said.
Division 10 councillor Darren Taylor said it was the City’s view the venue had traded as a nightclub “from day one”.
The City was close to issuing a final notice, he said.
“We are now going through a process of them having to show cause with the intent we may have to take them to court to close them down,” he said.
A Department of Justice and Attorney General spokesperson said due to Liquor Act confidentiality provisions, they could not provide specific information about complaints or outcomes.
“The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation takes compliance with liquor laws very seriously and will continue to investigate any future complaints where appropriate.”
An electrical company’s ex-director claiming he is out of pocket $87,000 for electrical fitout work is among ex-staff and contractors claiming to be owed money, the Bulletin revealed on Thursday.
Event promoter Ezra James claims his firm The Trot Events is owed $11,800, staffer Eduardo Jimenez is claiming $1100 and a photographer Jarred Schot claims he’s owed $300.
The Bulletin has put the underpayment claims to Casablanca Surfers Paradise operating company Xlea Investments Pty Ltd’s director Alex Said. His lawyer Ron Behlau has said Mr Said “wholeheartedly denies these allegations”.
The Bulletin has asked Mr Behlau for comment on the alleged license claims and council shutdown threats.
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