Geelong strip club fees hikes hard to bare

GEELONG'S only licensed strip club manager says new government liquor licence fees are killing the industry.

Alley Cat Men's Club manager Fred Scharkosi said massive fee hikes introduced last year for clubs like his were "unjust" and hugely damaging to business.

Last year, Consumer Affairs Minister Tony Robinson imposed a minimum flat fee of $30,000 on licensed venues that provided sexually explicit entertainment.

It was later revealed Mr Robinson made the decision without consulting relevant industry associations or individual venues.

A Government statement attributed the fee hike to a crackdown on irresponsible service of alcohol, which was reportedly rife at strip clubs.

Mr Scharkosi said the fee ultimately meant customers would suffer.

"Getting a fee with no notice whatsoever does put pressure on us," he said.

"(The fee) means it has to be passed on to patrons, in terms of prices of door charge and drinks prices."

Mr Scharkosi said the months since the fee hike had forced the club to adapt to ensure their business survived.

"It's been quite difficult, having the licensing fee going up six fold, with us being such a small venue," he said.
geelongadvertiser.com.au
July 5th, 2010