LGBTQIA+ venue Hairy Mary’s, Mermaid Beach, on the brink of closure

The owner of one of the city’s few queer and gay friendly venues is questioning why council repeatedly knocks back his trading hours push. FULL STORY

The owner of one of the Gold Coast’s few queer and gay-friendly venues says he may have to close what he calls a safe haven to many after council knocked back hours extension requests.

Steven Fahd opened what was billed as “the Gold Coast’s premier LGBTQIA+ venue” Hairy Mary’s 12 months ago in Mermaid Beach after a three-and-a-half-year City approval process.

Mr Fahd claims council have outright refused to grant him extended hours till midnight on weekends, even though his venue is in an industrial estate impacting no nearby residences.

The queer-friendly cabaret bar owner said the venue has become a hotspot with queers and “queens” across the east coast, with performers as far as Melbourne requesting stage time.

Gold Coast LGBTQIA+ venue owner Steven Fahd standing in front of his venue, Hairy Mary’s located in an industrial estate in Mermaid. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“We are getting drag queens travelling from Brisbane to perform on our stage,” Mr Fahd said.

“I have had drag queens from Melbourne who have been on Ruaul’s Drag Race (Netflix series) wanting to come and perform at Hairy Mary’s and I have to say no because we close at 10pm – it is not financially feasible.”

Mr Fahd said he requested a two-hour extension for Fridays and Saturdays, on three separate occasions, but claimed he had been told no, as he’s “taking business away from Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise” and the City wants to “preserve” the industrial area.

Mr Fahd said if he could not get approval he’d have to make the decision to either sell or close.

Aerial view of the Mermaid industrial estate. Picture: Google Maps

“People are going out for dinner at 7pm and by the time they finish dinner, they’re not coming in because we’re only open for another hour,” Mr Fahd said.

Mr Fahd insisted his gripe wasn’t just about one venue but about an entire community.

“There’s thousands of gays and lesbians on the Gold Coast,” he said. “This venue was about creating a safe space for everyone. One of the reasons why I chose the location of Hairy Mary’s was to make it a destination point for the community to come to without any discrimination along their way. A place where they can safety hold their partner’s hands, or feel safe to approach if they’re a cross dresser and not be stared at and vilified.”

Mr Fahd said the industrial setting provided that for the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Since Hairy Mary’s opened I’m seeing more interstate and overseas visitors coming to the Gold Coast because they now have a safe space to come and visit,” he said

Steven Fahd. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“We are getting Brisbane guys and girls travelling to the city to come and the one question I get asked is why do you have to close at 10pm. When I try to explain it is a condition council have put on me they think it’s ridiculous.”

Nearby bars and restaurants such as Juju and The Cambus Wallace - on the Nobby main strip - are licensed until 12am.

A City spokesperson said: “The City considers a number of factors when considering a change to business hours.”

“The area in question is intended to service industrial uses. A change in business hours would impact on the current function of the area and nearby residents.”