Nicolinis Surfers Paradise owner Murray Taylor lashes out at Schoolies, blames partygoers for drop in trade

The operator of a Glitter Strip restaurant institution has let rip at Schoolies and toolies for all but killing his trade, calling them a bunch of “drunken p---s”. WHY HE’S FURIOUS

THE owner of a Glitter Strip restaurant is blaming Schoolies partygoers for an 80 per cent plunge in trade, saying “the drunken pr***s have killed us”.

Nicolinis Surfers Paradise owner Murray Taylor said trade was down “as much as 80 per cent” since Schoolies Gold Coast kicked off last week.

Mr Taylor said his chefs on average prepared 200 meals a night on the weekends but on Friday did a paltry 18 dishes: “I’m just fed up. And don’t get me wrong. I’m not completely anti-Schoolies but the drunken pr***s causing chaos up and down Surfers Paradise Boulevard have completely killed us,” Mr Taylor said.

Nicolinis Surfers Paradise owners Murray and Helen Taylor. They are outraged over Schoolies and say the disgraceful behaviour of "spewing drunken pr***s" has resulted in an 80 per cent drop in trade. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“There’s people spewing on the sidewalk and toolies carrying on and screaming while people are trying to enjoy a nice Italian meal. It’s ridiculous.

“My daughter is at Schoolies. I had to get her and ten of her friends in here on the weekend to eat for free out front just so we could look busy.”

The business owner said he was at his “wits end” and “the only eatery making money (during Schoolies) is McDonald’s”.

He claims he is considering closing for a few days, citing the lack in trade and drunken behaviour as the reason.

But in an attempt to get regular diners back, Mr Taylor put out a desperate plea on social media on Sunday: “To all our amazingly loyal & fabulous customers – please don’t let Schoolies keep you away as we are in the quiet part of town and we would love to see you tonight,” the post read.

“Unfortunately Schoolies has impacted the restaurants here as many people try to avoid the area but we can assure you it’s business as usual.”

Mr Taylor said in his plea to fill seats all diners who saw the post would receive their first drink free.

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Thousands of Schoolies have again descended on Surfers Paradise.

Popular party precinct venue House of Brews has this year again declared it is a “no Schoolies-zone”, and has gone as far to let revellers know on social media.

The post reads: “Once again we are proud to announce that we are the official partner of #noschoolies and the number one NO SCHOOLIES venue.

Jade Wood from House of Brews. Picture: Jerad Williams

“It’s that time of year again … Schoolies … but never fear. If you want to keep your night fun, tame, schoolies free and you’re looking for a sanctuary away from the mayhem we are the venue for you,” the post read.