Nightclub furore

Vibe nightclub owner Kevin Mann has insisted closing his establishment would not eradicate late-night violence in Rockingham.

Picture by Elisia Seeber: Vibe nightclub owner Kevin Mann says closing the popular night spot won’t quell late-night violence in Rockingham.

Mr Mann’s comments come in the wake of a serious assault outside the nightclub, the second in three weeks, and amid calls it should be closed.

A 28-year-old man was knocked unconscious after hitting his head on the pavement after a fight with another man about midnight.

He was taken to Fremantle Hospital with head injuries but released on Sunday afternoon.

Following the assault, Rockingham MLA Mark McGowan said the night haunt should be closed down for patrons’ safety.

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels echoed Mr McGowan’s comments.

‘‘The City shares similar concerns as those expressed by Mr McGowan,’’ Cr Sammels said.

‘‘The council’s objective has always been to reduce the extent of anti-social behaviour which has existed surrounding this business.

‘‘The City, through its actions in the Licensing Court, has sought to ensure that the amenity of the area is improved and maintained.’’

Mr Mann, however, believes closure would not be the answer to late-night violence in Rockingham.

‘‘They’re (problems and violence) not going to go away, they’re just going to move somewhere else,’’ he said.

‘‘There’s no questions there’s problems in the area and they’ve got to be rectified.

‘‘It didn’thappen inmynightclub, it wasn’t a late-night brawl or anything like that. One bloke hit another bloke — for some reason, I have no bloody idea.’’

Mr Mann said Vibe employed up to 40 people and attracted good crowds.

‘‘The business wouldn’t be there if it wasn’t a viable one,’’ he said.

‘‘We lease that building, and that building belongs to somebody who earns a livelihood out of the lease money I pay.

‘‘It’s a lot bigger issue than saying, just shut it.’’

Mr Mann said revellers were wise to rowdy antics in Rockingham.

‘‘The area is attractive to the public because it’s well lit, the foods are down there and the ATMs are down there,’’ he said.

‘‘The problem you’ve got is people are getting into arguments, and people are saying, ‘Oh, that happened at Vibe.’

‘‘I think it’s (this reputation) totally unfair — everybody wants to bash Rockingham.’’

Mr Mann also accused Mr McGowanof ‘‘jumping on the bandwagon’’ to shut his club.

‘‘Why doesn’t he get onto the Government about allocating more police to the entertainment precinct?’’ he said.

‘‘He hasn’t contacted me or tried to talk to me to form his own opinion.’’

Mr Mann said dedicated security officers in the city’s entertainment precinct were needed, similar to those in Northbridge and Fremantle.