Temple rebukes tear down
Social media avalanche over new city nightclub
After being targeted by a series of allegations against them on social media, the owners of a new Hobart nightclub have refuted claims they have criminal convictions and say they have never been interviewed by police in relation to any matters.
The Department of Treasury and Finance said the commissioner for licensing had received no complaints from the public about Temple in Liverpool St, while police have urged anyone with information about alleged criminal activity to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
An avalanche of criticism and allegations have been made this week against Temple’s owners. It opened for business on Friday night after a $2m renovation.
The Mercury also has been inundated with emails about the new nightclub and allegations against its operators.
The Treasury department said it did not “comment on individual probity assessments, however when assessing a licence application, the Liquor Licensing Act requires that a liquor licence holder and their associates be qualified to hold a liquor licence”.
“Among the qualification requirements is that the person be fit and proper to hold a licence,” it said.
“The commissioner considers a wide range of evidence in assessing qualification, including the criminal history of applicants and associates.
“The commissioner is able to review a licence at any time the liquor licence is in place.
“If the commissioner receives evidence that suggests a review of a licence is warranted then such a review can be undertaken at any time.”
For legal reasons, police are unable to comment on allegations regarding individuals but a spokeswoman said: “Anyone with information about criminal activity in Tasmania should contact police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au.
Temple venue manager Liam McQuade is upset about the allegations.
“It’s a horrible situation,” he said. “It’s pretty disheartening.
“We’ve got all the permits to trade and none of us has a criminal record.
“We have 50 staff and I’ve promised to look after all of them.”
Amid the allegations this week, Temple issued a public response on social media.
“There have been rumours against Temple, pushed by people who want to tear down the business through fake claims,” the post said.
“The rumours are all based on falsities and malicious gossip.” They said they had been vetted by the Liquor Licensing Commission who were aware of the rumours and “have excellent relationships with police”. “None of the owners are banned by any nightclub, are under police investigation, have ever been charged with any serious offence, have been interviewed by Tasmanian police in relation to any matter.”
City of Hobart acting city life director Karen Abey said the council had not received complaints about the venue.
“The venue was previously approved as hotel industry use, so no planning application was required for the use,” she said.