Surf clubs under fire
Allegations drunks out of control
DRUNKEN patrons are using ladders to enter clubs and others are being evicted for headbutting walls as a boozy culture threatens to destroy the family image of Gold Coast lifesaving clubs.
Queensland’s Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation is being asked to intervene after receiving complaints about fights between patrons, alleged over-capacity at indoor venues and use of outdoor keg storage areas.
Photographs show several young men and women using a makeshift ladder to gain entry at the Tugun Surf Life Saving Club during the national titles.
Resident Terry Camp said he watched as patrons were ejected from the club and went to the southeast corner of the building and used temporary footpath barriers against the wall as ladders.
“These people were assisted by patrons whom were already in the licensed area. Prior to this occurring, five uniformed police were on site to investigate an altercation for anti-so- cial behaviour,” he said.
In their complaint sent this month to Liquor Licensing, the Camps wrote that they asked to speak to the duty manager at the club only to be told he was “too busy” and “to phone the police”.
A Bulletin report in May detailed how a Queenscliff surf club member “pooed in his cap” at an event at the Currumbin RSL after boaties went on a Mad Monday binge drinking tour during the cancelled national titles.
Members have also complained to the Bulletin about a sportsman’s luncheon in recent weeks they claim led to disciplinary action against patrons at the Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club.
“There’s been disciplinary action with suspensions of up to six months for some senior members,” a senior surf lifesaving source said.
“Some guests were punching and head-butting walls.”
A spokesman for Surf Life Saving Queensland said: “SLSQ has not received any complaints about a luncheon at Tallebudgera. This particular luncheon was not an SLSQ event.”
Asked about the Tugun incident, the spokesman said: “SLSQ is aware that a number of people were denied entry into the club for being intoxicated, but we are not aware of any particular incident/s involving the use of ladders.”
The Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) said it was investigating a complaint into the operation of the Tugun Surf Life Saving Supporters’ Club.
“As the matter is under investigation, no further information can be provided at this stage,” a spokesperson said.
“Please note that confidentiality obligations under the Liquor Act significantly limits information that OLGR is able to share, including that related to findings and outcomes of the investigation.”