OFF THE WIRE
AN illegal bar, complete with a pole dancing stage, operating in the heart of the city is believed to be a clubhouse for the Hells Angels bikie club.The premises known as Bar 47 was shutdown by police bar yesterday after they raided the address.
Police had received information about parties and the comings and goings of dubious people from the basement.
Working with council officer Rocks detectives seized a large amount of liquor and other items from the basement.
Police said the bar was mainly stocked with spirits and it appeared to be a venue for bikie members to socialise and watch strip parties.
The basement is owned by flamboyant Sydney businessman Albert Betini owner of the bar.
“We are yet to interview Mr Bertini,’’ a police spokesman said today.
Bertini's business has been the subject of speculation since he relocated to France late last year, selling his Mosman mansion and several other properties. While he had paid a record $22.5 million for the house, it sold for $18.5 million in December.
While Mr Betini owns the property there is no suggestion he was involved in the operation of the bar.
A spokeswoman for Mr Betini said he was seeking legal advice about the "false allegations."
The Minister for Hospitality, George Souris, has expressed concern that a premises in Sydney’s CBD is alleged to have been serving alcohol without a licence.
“This is a serious offence and I expect anyone who flouts the State’s liquor licencing legislation to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” Mr Souris.
“I am advised that at approximately 3pm on Monday 7 May 2012 police executed a search warrant upon the basement portion of commercial premises situated at 47 York Street, Sydney.
“Upon entry to the clubhouse police found a fully operational bar stocked with approximately $20,000 of alcohol. The alcohol and a number of other items were seized by police as exhibits.
“The Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing is liaising with NSW Police on this matter and will assist Police where necessary.
“A series of successful Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing prosecutions demonstrates that the Government is ensuring that unlawful operators are identified and effective enforcement action is taken.
“This sort of illegal activity is not in the public interest and the Government will not tolerate such activity,” Mr Souris said.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/sydney-news/booze-drugs-and-strippers-found-in-allegedly-illegal-bar/story-fn7y9brv-1226349484600
