LATE-NIGHT revellers repeatedly urinating and defecating on a building’s doorstep have caused one Warrnambool business to vent its frustration.
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Several city councillors expressed dismay about the conduct of partygoers following a submission which suggested Kepler Street homes and businesses were being used as “a public toilet”.
In a submission relating to the Gallery Nightclub’s proposed expansion, MBO Financial Group said the firm had serious concerns about the conduct of revellers from all CBD venues.
MBO Financial Group partner Michael O’Keefe wrote to the city council outlining the impact of drunks on businesses along Kepler Street.
“On numerous occasions, our building has been subject to members of the public urinating and defecating (at the front of) our offices,” he wrote.
“We have also had occasions of our building being damaged. Although we cannot confirm these instances are related to patrons from the Gallery Nightclub, it would be a high possibility.
“Instances always occur late at night and generally over the weekend period.”
Councillors at this week’s municipal meeting said they were appalled that some people were so intoxicated they abandoned basic standards of decency. Cr Peter Hulin said he had spoken at length with a number of residents and business owners about the issue.
“Any right-minded person would find this revolting,” Cr Hulin said.
“For business people to head to work on a Monday morning and find their front steps used as a public toilet is disgusting and something needs to be done about it.
“If we believe in inner-city living and people being able to go about their work, then these people need to realise that urinating and defecating in public is not acceptable.”
Cr Brian Kelson said pubs including the Gallery Nightclub needed to “tightly manage” intoxicated customers while Cr Rob Askew acknowledged there “was always going to be issues” when licensed premises were located close to houses and offices.
Mr O’Keefe said his business was not singling out the Gallery Nightclub but he wanted to raise awareness of the problems faced by inner-city businesses from unruly pubs patrons.
“It’s been happening for quite some time — 15 years or more,” Mr O’Keefe told The Standard.
“We’re not against the Gallery Nightclub’s development. What we want to see is tighter management from all pubs and clubs and people themselves taking greater responsibility.”
Gallery Nightclub management declined to comment when contacted by The Standard yesterday.