REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Friday October 1, 2004

THE 3am nightclub lockout in Surfers Paradise was set to remain.

The Queensland Liquor Licensing Division knocked back a submission from the Surfers Paradise Licensed Venues to lift the 3am curfew.

The decision meant clubbers would not be admitted to licensed venues after 3am, until April 1 2005.

The rule had been in place for six months.

Licensed Venues Association president Jim Bell said the group would formally appeal against the decision.

The Bulletin understood there was uncertainty as to how the lockout pertained to the Indy carnival and New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Only six months earlier, the clubs rocked Gold Coast City Council over the issue.

Former mayor Gary Baildon’s bid for re-election was largely brought down by a text message campaign waged by club owners on the glitter strip, fearful of Mr Baildon’s support for 3am closures.

Conversely, Mayor Ron Clarke owed much of his election win to his pledge to keep the clubs open.

A dejected Mr Bell said the association was not surprised by the ruling, but still disappointed their attempts were not recognised.

“This is costing us dearly. The clubs turn over in excess of $300 million a year.

“All the clubs have agreed to an alcohol management plan that covers the responsible service of alcohol, patron behaviour, and codes of conduct … we’ve done so much more, and we don’t know what else to do.”