Council’s objection ignored in bars' hours changes
MACKAY Regional Council objected to an application for extending trading hours in Mackay from 4am to 5am, but it was approved anyway.
In an advertisement which ran in Saturday's Daily Mercury, it was announced AM Bar, The Rabbit Hole and Movidas were now licensed until 5am.
A 3am lockout will apply at the three locations.
Council development services acting director Jaco Ackerman said the Development Assessment Review Team had recommended council object to the application for extended trading late last year.
He said the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation sought council's comments in relation to the application to extend trading.
"The State Government department seeks comment from council and police whenever there are applications for later trading for licensed premises," Mr Ackerman said.
"Council objected to this application at the time but were notified last month that extended trading to 5am had been granted."
One of the council's grounds for objection was a concern the 5am closure could conflict with street cleaning and other works which generally occur early in the morning before daytime traders open.
Mackay Grande Suites operates the three establishments and hotel manager Mark Laffin was contacted for comment but declined the offer.
AM Bar, Movidas and The Rabbit Hole are located in the heart of Mackay city centre.
An $18 million City Centre Revitalisation Project is currently taking place in the area surrounding the current nightclub precinct.
Source: The Mackay Daily Mercury, Kirsty Mugridge, July 28th 2015
Originally published as: Council’s objection ignored in bars' hours changes
