A GEELONG strip club operator has reacted angrily to reports of bikie gang links after a security staffer turned away eight Bandidos at the door over the weekend.
Alley Cat licensee Graeme Flinders told the Independent the bikers were wearing colours and in keeping with club protocol were turned away at the door. Police were called but the bikies left before they arrived, he said.
Mr Flinders denied he had any bikies working at the Little Ryrie Street pub. He rejected out of hand a media report suggesting an Alley Cat employee, and member of the Rebels motorcycle gang, was involved in the incident.
“You think we have a guy inside with Rebels colours walking around?” he said.
“I have an RSA officer who is highly trained … that report is degrading that position, I’m very annoyed.
“You go around Geelong and see the number of people rolling out of places drunk — we don’t have any. The police are very happy with me and we certainly we don’t employ brigades of bikies.”
Mr Flinders said he was unaware of any staff members at the Alley Cat being members of any bikie gang.
The Bandido bikers reportedly moved on to CBD nightclub Basement 159 after being rejected by the Alley Cat. There, they reportedly forced their way past security and became involved in a scuffle when they were refused alcohol service after which police were called.
“I took over 12 months ago and I’ve had a liquor licence for 30 years,” Mr Flinders told the Independent.
“I’m very strong in the administration of the club and right from the word go I banned any form of bikie gangs. I have a no-tolerance policy, you only mess up once, we haven’t had a fight once since the day I started.”
Basement 159 could not be contacted for comment. Police investigations into the incident are continuing.
_ NOEL MURPHY
