Second Gold Coast casino: Surfers Paradise nightclubs wary of Global Tourism hub
Glitter Strip bar bosses are divided on the impact of a Global Tourism Hub despite touted tourism benefits, with warning special rules are “un-Australian”.
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GLITTER Strip bar bosses are divided on the impact of any incoming global tourism hub (GTH) gaming resort and associated bars with longer trading hours.
Surfers Paradise bar figures have long complained at the lack of a level playing field with The Star Gold Coast’s bars given the latter don’t have to adhere to 3am last drinks or compulsory ID scans from 10pm.
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Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach licensed venues also can’t serve rapid-consumption drinks — typically shots — after midnight whereas the casino bars can but chooses not too.
Bar, nightclub and strip club managers and owners canvassed by the Bulletin are overall in favour of a GTH development driving more visitors but wary it won’t operate venues under the same restrictions they must follow.
Surfers Paradise Licensed Venues Association president Tim Martin said he wasn’t “completely against” a GTH but his “biggest concern” was different rules for its watering holes.
The general manager of Surfers Paradise clubs Sin City, Bedroom and Havana said: “We’ll certainly be looking out for a fair playing ground.
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“Why should they be allowed to have different rules to the small operators? If these things are coming on board we need to have the same rules and regulations,” Mr Martin said.
“It’s anti-competitive to offer longer trading hours, especially when the government suggested the trading hours are the problem.”
The Labor State Government slashed entertainment precinct trading hours in mid-2016 bringing last drinks forward two hours to 3am among other measures to target alcohol-related violence.
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But casino bars, due to separate on-site security and surveillance, are exempt.
Mr Martin said he backed competition for Star and a GTH as a magnet for tourism but would be lobbying hard for all venues to have the same hours and rules.
Hallmark Group boss Sean Heanen, who has Finn McCool’s, Shooters and Retros in Surfers, said he was right behind a GTH, would welcome it to Surfers and wasn’t concerned about its venues operating under different rules.
Broadbeach’s Love Nightlife marketing manager Taylor Rankin said a GTH in Surfers Paradise would be good for tourism and she also wasn’t concerned by different trading hours.
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Hollywood Showgirls and Tipsy Pig bar owner Craig Duffy said a GTH as a new attraction was “fantastic” for tourism and jobs but: “It’s terrible for international tourists to experience confusing laws.”
Mr Duffy said it was “un-Australian” to have rules for casino bars that gave them an advantage over Surfers and Broadbeach nightspots.
“These disadvantaged (venues) add more jobs and community benefits than a casino but they are penalised.”
State Government has called for registrations of interest in a GTH before more formal expressions of interest with detailed proposals.
No site options have been officially unveiled but Southport’s Carey Park is tipped as a frontrunner by sources.
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