Owners of Atet floating nightclub say its permit issue is a ‘disaster’

The Docklands floating nightclub has caused uproar among nearby residents and it can now be revealed it is facing a major setback with its permit.

Melbourne’s first floating nightclub has hit more troubled waters, with revelations it does not have a permit for Sunday trading.

Significant money has been sunk into this weekend’s event, which features Berlin-based techno DJ, Paramida. Victoria’s first open-air floating nightclub plans to return to the waters this Friday, despite Melbourne City Council slapping noise limits on this week due to a resident backlash.

Atet, which opened last weekend as a Mykonos-style party boat in Docklands, caused uproar among nearby residents when it played pounding beats until 1am on Monday morning.

But the Herald Sun can reveal its permit did not include Sunday opening hours, despite Sunday trading being included in a liquor licence and venue management plan ticked off by Melbourne City Council.

Docklands resident Martin Kingsley was among several people to complain about the noise from the floating nightclub. Picture: Josie Hayden. Picture: Josie Hayden

It is understood the issue is being blamed on an administrative error, but has now thrown into jeopardy a ticketed event scheduled for this Sunday with international DJs from famed Berlin nightclub institution, Panorama Bar.

Devastated owners have described the issue as a “disaster” but are hoping to work with the council to alter the permit.

However, to alter a permit the group would likely have to undergo a lengthy process involving community consultation.

One source said there was the potential for a special exemption to be granted for this weekend, but those were usually reserved for major events.

Founder of Atet, Jake Hughes, said it was a major setback, but the group was committed to working with council and locals to ensure the venue’s success.

Angry locals including aerobics champion Sue Stanley said the noise had impacted their health, and was untenable for the community.

The campaign has since taken a dark turn, however, with threats made against proprietors, who have had to hire around-the-clock security at the refitted barge in response.

Mr Hughes said the response from revellers had been positive despite the anger from some residents, and that bookings were being requested faster than they could keep up.

He said council had been “nothing but supportive” but some of the residents’ anger had been hard to deal with.

“We are a family from the country and all of a sudden, all this stuff going on, we have never had an enemy in our lives and suddenly all these people are against us,” he said.

“We have had to have security down there and there’s been threats made against the barge and us.”