Surfers Paradise nightclub bosses lobbying for extended trading hours on Gold Coast as COVID-19 restrictions ease

“It’s going to be war between the states. We need to do something.”

GLITTER Strip nightclub bosses are fizzing to lobby the state to extend last drinks from 3am to 5am for Gold Coast party precincts.

Artesian Hospitality partner Matt Keegan, who oversees Surfers nightclubs The Bedroom, Havana and SinCity plus bar-restaurant White Rhino, said the city needed to put up a flag as a “party capital” with international travel likely to be off the agenda for a long time.

The State Labor Government brought forward 5am last-drinks rules to 3am in mid-2016 to combat alcohol-related violence. It also banned shots after midnight.

Mr Keegan wants an overhaul.

Matt Keegan inside an empty White Rhino. Picture: Glenn Hampson

He said with Australians spending $56 billion last year going overseas – many to Bali – it was time for the Gold Coast to supercharge its party capital status.

“The Safe Night Precincts really should be exactly what they are – entertainment precincts – and help make the Gold Coast the number one place for that kind of tourism.”

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But Mr Keegan said operators would lobby for a rethink, believing it would help Queensland beat other states for domestic visitors.

“It’s going to be war between the states. We need to do something.

“We have the Northern Territory talking about easing restrictions to climb Uluru again. We have to take a good, hard look at what we are doing.

Sin City general manager Tim Martin. Picture: Jerad Williams

“We need to ensure as much of that money that did get spent on travelling out of Australia now comes to the Gold Coast. Bali is a place for families, yes, but large amounts of people also go there to let loose.”

Surfers Paradise Licensed Venues Association president Tim Martin said he aimed to lead an industry approach to State Government and Gold Coast councillors to canvass the appetite for relaxation.

“We’re lucky we are already a holiday destination but places like Melbourne already have 24-hour or late trading,” he said

Mr Martin said later trading would also “increase revenue for businesses being heavily affected and puts us in-line with what casinos can already do”.

Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw. Picture: Tertius Pickard

“There needs to be a fair playing field. After coronavirus, it wouldn’t hurt to have a couple of extra hours of trade.”

Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw wants to “stay right away” from the Bali party vibe, but backed the plan to approach the State Government.

“Given the impact COVID-19 has had, we need to leverage every opportunity to attract visitation once restrictions are over,” Mr Winlaw says.

“The Safe Night Precinct should be talking to government about that opportunity. We have to start to recognise it’s a long road to recovery and we need to start looking at opportunities.”