AUSTRAILIA - Police see if bikie law can stop parlour

OFF THE WIRE
NSW Police are considering invoking new anti-bikie laws to stop Kings Cross Ink, a new tattoo parlour with links to the nightclub boss John Ibrahim.
But to do so they would have to prove that the man behind the venture, businessman Mark Alexander-Erber, or his ''investor'' Mr Ibrahim, has links to outlaw motorcycle gxxgs - a suggestion both deny.
A spokesperson for NSW police said it was currently examining a number of options relating to the business, including the new Tattoo Parlour legislation and appeal provisions under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
"The force takes very seriously the concerns of residents and business owners and will always act in the interests of public safety and security," the spokesperson said.
Earlier this year, City of Sydney council approved Mr Alexander-Erber's development application for Kings Cross Ink, although a ''human error'' meant the full council was not briefed on police objections, despite requests.
In a submission by Kings Cross police commander Superintendent Sue Waites, police objected to the granting of the licence, claiming, among other things, that Mr Alexander-Erber was known for bikie affiliations. However, she said the extent of those links was ''unclear''.
Police submitted that Kings Cross was already rife with outlaw motorcycle gxxg activity, with ''shootings, assaults, extortion and drug-related offences'' having been tied to bikie members who associate with businesses in the red-light district.
A new tattoo parlour on the scale projected was undesirable in this climate, Superintendent Waites said.
A council spokeswoman said the DA was ''validly determined'' as police recommendations were taken into account in the approval process and 36 conditions were placed on the parlour.
The council last night recommended the lord mayor, Clover Moore, write to the Police Commissioner, Andrew Scipione, ''requesting he urgently review'' the situation.
Meanwhile, more than 150 people attended a public meeting in Kings Cross last night to raise questions of local safety.
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/police-see-if-bikie-law-can-stop-parlour-20120605-1zuc2.html