Victoria Police withdraw proscribed brothel application against The Men’s Gallery owner Peter Iwaniuk

A Melbourne nightclub king is “grateful” after cops withdraw an application to proscribe his premier city strip club a brothel.

Men’s Gallery owner Peter Iwaniuk said he was “grateful” police withdrew a brothel application. Picture: Rob Leeson.

Melbourne nightclub king Peter Iwaniuk said he was “baffled and confused” after police moved to have his premier city strip club The Men’s Gallery listed as a brothel.

The longstanding King St venue had been part of a Victoria Police Sex Industry Coordination Unit investigation but the application was withdrawn at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday.

Anthony Albore, for police, withdraw the proceeding after informing the court Mr Iwaniuk had engaged “senior counsel”.

Mr Iwaniuk, who was not present nor represented nor required to appear at the brief hearing, told the Herald Sun he was “grateful” the application was withdrawn.

“I don’t really want to stir the pot but something didn’t add up, it was a mistake, we are not sure why the application was made in the first place because we are not a brothel,” Mr Iwaniuk said.

“I’m grateful police dropped the charges, I was baffled and confused initially but pleased it’s over and we just want to put it behind us and move on.

“We are part of Melbourne culture, we have been here for 28 years, we employ 150 staff, we pay our taxes, 250,000 people come through our doors (pre Covid), we have bus loads of tourists, we have a good reputation in Melbourne and around the world.”

Mr Iwaniuk, who owns several late-night venues including King St strip club Centrefold Lounge, confirmed police had only focused on The Men’s Gallery.

The nightclub king has been a stalwart of Melbourne’s entertainment and hospitality industry.

Mr Iwaniuk list of institutions owned over a decades-long career included former footballer haunt The Tunnel and South Yarra hot spot Chaser’s Nightclub.

Mr Iwaniuk also revitalised Brunswick bar Bombay Rock, runs city venue Bottom End bar and owned infamous King St club Inflation before selling the site to developers.

“I like my business, I like hospitality,” Mr Iwaniuk said.

Magistrate Stella Stuthridge granted the police application to withdraw the proceeding.

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