These hotels have become more of a problem than they're worth for the Pies. A multi-million dollar loss last year and now this ...Collingwood not fit to hold liquor licence, say policeDamian Barrett | July 21, 2009
COLLINGWOOD Football Club is not fit to hold a liquor licence to run a beachside hotel, according to a police inquiry.
The liquor licensing unit has alleged serious breaches at The Beach, in Albert Park, in an application for an inquiry before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
VCAT wrote to Collingwood late last month informing it of the action. The case is set down for a directions hearing on Thursday week.
Insp Lisa Hardeman, of the liquor licensing unit, said in her application to VCAT she considered the licensee (Collingwood) was "not a suitable person to hold the licence".
Among 13 "particulars" listed for consideration, it is alleged a doorman had a criminal history for serious drug-related offences, and that last grand final day there was a breach of the maximum number of patrons allowed in.
Other "particulars" include:
A MALE patron being glassed in mid-2007.
A FEMALE patron who "tried to break the fingers of a crowd controller before smashing a glass panel door . . . while being evicted".
POLICE having to use capsicum spray last September after being "surrounded by four aggressive patrons" while arresting a drunken male.
It is alleged customers had engaged in fighting and violence outside, and that patrons had urinated and vomited in front yards of nearby homes, nature strips and doorways.
Insp Hardeman also gave notice she may intend seeking a fine of up to $30,000, and a variation to the licence that would allow only "background music" to be played at The Beach.
It was also possible an application may be made to have the Pies disqualified from holding a licence or BYO permit.
Some alleged problems relate to security, which is sub-contracted. It's believed the club wasn't made aware of all the breaches until receiving the VCAT paper last month.
Magpies chief Gary Pert last night acknowledged receiving the notification.
"We have been in communication with various members of liquor licensing over the last few years, largely around residents complaining about noise," he said.
"The club will continue to work with the authorities and the residents' group to come up with a solution."
Collingwood said last year The Beach, which it leased in 2006, had drained $8.3 million from its books - largely, it is believed, as a result of the nightclub part of the business.
The club has been trying to sell its lease but has been unable to reach a deal.
It is believed the VCAT investigation has compromised the terms of the negotiations with the potential buyer.
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