CALIFORNIA - Fury erupts over bikie 'war' claims

OFF THE WIRE
A GOLD Coast nightclub owner says it's time to clear the air on "sensationalised" reports of bikie gxxg violence in Surfers Paradise.
But the club owner blasted police for allowing bikies to parade through the Glitter Strip wearing gxxg patches.
"The police at Surfers Paradise should hang their heads in shame as they are the ones unable to control these sorts of incidents," the club owner said.
"They don't see trouble walk past the station at 2.30am on a weekend with gxxg members wearing full colours?
"They weren't aware 30 (bikie gxxg) members spent New Year's Eve at a booth at a Surfers Paradise nightclub?
"But when they are made aware of one incident by a security report they are quick to announce a 'bikie war' to the media -- what a joke."
The club owner, who did not wish to be named for fear of being targeted by police, said Surfers Paradise would never be just "McDonald's and clowns blowing up balloons".
"An entertainment district is a must for a holiday destination like Surfers ... but the bad image needs to be cleared.
"We are under constant attack from bad media reports and politicians.
"It's damaging businesses. I won't be walking my kids through there at 11pm that's when the adults play.
"But that's OK it doesn't mean we have to move all people that like the clubs out.
"One day, perhaps, we will get ethical politicians with their heads out of the sand."
The United Motorcycle Council last week told the Sun there was no bikie war brewing in Surfers Paradise other than a "propaganda war".
It said the tourist precinct was not considered any club's exclusive territory.
Speculation of bad blood between gxxgs came after a punch-up between members of the Bandidos and Rebels at a strip club.
Gold Coast police did not respond to questions from the Sun.
http://www.goldcoast.com.au/article/2012/01/25/384825_gold-coast-news.html