Inflation nightclub manager sues police for linking club to drugs
The manager of popular King St venue Inflation is suing for damages over remarks by a former Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner where he labelled the club a “honey pot” for drug dealers.
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A top nightclub boss has hit back at comments made by one of Victoria’s most senior police officers that her venue was linked to drug dealing, underage drinking and violence by suing the force for defamation.
Martha Tsamis, manager of popular King St venue Inflation, began her legal battle in the Supreme Court on Wednesday over remarks made by former Assistant Commissioner Brett Guerin in 2014 in which he labelled the club a “honey pot” for drug dealers.
Ms Tsamis is suing for damages, claiming the comments damaged her reputation and standing in the community.
Mr Guerin made the comments during an interview with this paper in the wake of an application by the gambling and liquor commission to strip the nightclub of their 24-hour liquor licence. But the application was dropped 12 months later “without explanation”, the court heard.
Paul Hayes, representing Victoria Police, argued the comments were “substantially true” and therefore could not be deemed defamatory.
Ms Tsamis will be the first witness called to give evidence.
The trial before Justice John Dixon continues.