Surfers Paradise bar bosses want to create a 24 hour entertainment zone
Now that the confusion over Queensland’s lock out laws has receded, bar owners on Surfers Paradise are pushing for big changes.
Gone is the focus on 3am last drinks aimed at tackling alcohol-related violence.
Now the talk is on turning the area into a 24/7 precinct, offering something for everyone right around the clock.
Avenue bar owner and Surfers veteran Mike Russo, who has been operating there for three-plus decades, said axing the 1am lockout boosted the business.
“Surfers Paradise was built on being a party town. That has always been what it was developed for and at some stage it was decided to make it something other,” Mr Russo told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
“A 24-hour precinct is what this place should have always been. You need to embrace your identity or suffer the consequences.
“Each trader can determine whether to go that far. It would also send a message it’s the place where you come to if you want a good time.”
Hollywood Showgirls strip club owner Craig Duffy said Surfers should have unrestricted drinking, just like Las Vegas.
“Vegas is the Gold Coast on steroids, a 24-hour precinct where you can do whatever you want any time of the day. That’s what it’s famous for,’’ Duffy told the newspaper.
“We are famous for fun and that’s how we promote the place but we put these handbrakes on that contradict that,” Mr Duffy said.
“Look at the casino, it’s 24 hours — what’s good for them, why wouldn’t it be good for Surfers Paradise? It would put us on the international tourism map.”
Surfers Paradise Alliance CEO Mike Winlaw says it’s an idea worth thinking about but warned that bars owners should first “earn the right through impeccable service in the pubs and clubs.”
“Once we earn it we can put that forward,” Mr Winlaw told the Gold Coast Bulletin.
by Leon Gettler, February 14th 2017
