Loading ...IN A bid to curb alcohol-fuelled violence, the Richmond Henty Hotel’s Club 101 is closing its doors at 1am, instead of 3am, from this weekend — leaving Portland without a late-night venue.
Owner Peter McIntyre declined to comment to the Portland Observer yesterday, but according to the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation (VCGLR), Club 101’s liquor licence conditions haven’t changed and the club can still legally be open until 3am, as it has for decades.
Club entertainment manager and resident DJ for the past 29 years, Chris ‘Critta’ Cunneen, broke the news on Facebook on Tuesday night, saying it was the end of an era in Portland.
Mr Cunneen blamed violent drunks for the decision and said it was “an unviable option to continue down this path…”
“I’ve met some of my very best friends there and have countless great memories of crazy times and people and I for one will miss it!” he posted.
“There will be no nightclub, but we’ll still cater for the younger crew with the Iron Bar,” he told the Portland Observer.
Further information regarding the future of the venue is expected to be released early next week.
More than 100 people are employed full and part-time at the Richmond Henty Hotel.
Portland police officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Russell Tharle said the decision was made by the hotel owners after meetings with VCGLR and local police.
Read more in Friday’s edition of the Portland Observer.
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