Memory Lane: Gold Coast bar of Shammi Prasad closes doors
An Australian online pranking sensation – who infamously turned off the Melbourne Cup mid-race in a packed pub – has been forced to shut his own Gold Coast bar.
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AN Australian online pranking sensation – who infamously turned off the Melbourne Cup mid-race in a packed pub – has been forced to shut his own Gold Coast bar.
Memory Lane – launched by Shammi Prasad and his brothers in Broadbeach two months ago – announced its closure on Instagram saying it had gone “further than our control now”.
“Unfortunately we have been forced to close the doors at Memory Lane for a short period. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused some of you but it has gone further than our control now,” the post said.
“The way we have been treated is unheard of but will all be explained at a later date.
“We are currently working on solutions but in the meantime we thank you for your patience and support.”
Mr Prasad, who has 1.4 million Instagram followers and 14 million on Facebook plus a popular YouTube feed, started the venue on Surf Parade with his brothers Jayden and Kailash saying it had long been a goal.
The controversial opening received mixed reviews with their fans loving it but a local resident questioning how the council could have approved such a venue for the restaurant strip.
A large crowd flocked to the bar to enjoying DJ sets, table top dancing and guest appearances by miniature horses, all shown on Memory Lane’s Instagram story that night.
The venue closed following its opening weekend for a week before reopening.
The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations (OLGR) has confirmed to the Bulletin it has finalised an investigation since into the operations of The Vivid Lounge (trading as Memory Lane).
“Due to the confidentiality provisions of the Liquor Act 1992 (the Act), OLGR is not able to provide specific information about the investigation and its associated outcomes as they are not a matter of public record as happens, for example, when a matter is heard in court,” the OLGR spokesperson said.
“When issues of non-compliance are identified at a licensed venue generally, and where appropriate, OLGR will take an educative approach and support the licensee of a venue to meet the requirements of their licence and obligations under the Act.”
Fans have shared their love for the closed business while founder of Future Bars in New Zealand ski resort town Queenstown, James Ace, said he would be happy to team up with Memory Lane in a comment.
“Dominating the market cuz! Let’s open one in Queenstown #memorylane I got the spot!” the comment said.
Lucy said: “Love you guys, it was fun”.
Katie said: “That sucks man. Fingers crossed you’re up and running again soon”.
Paddy said: “Might have to make the trip from the UK for the re opening (sic)”.
Sean said: “Clearly closed for being too awesome!”.
Others weren’t so compassionate to the news with Benja commenting “karma always comes”.
Asked if they’d explain what happened by one follower, Memory Lane replied: “Of course, we are just trying to sort a few things out first!”.
The Broadbeach bar also replied to another follower’s comment saying: “We’ll be back don’t worry!”.
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