NSW:Man beaten in Ivy nightclub basement

AAP General News (Australia)
08-29-2011
NSW:Man beaten in Ivy nightclub basement

EDS: Changes age of victim from 29 to 19 on updated police advice



SYDNEY, Aug 29 AAP - Sydney's exclusive Ivy nightclub is open for business after a
Supreme Court judge set aside an urgent closure order issued by police investigating an
alleged assault by bouncers.

The popular Sydney nightclub, owned by Sydney identity Justin Hemmes, was shut down
by police after two bouncers were charged after allegedly taking a patron to the premises'
basement and repeatedly beating him.

Police also allege management of Ivy ordered the crime scene be cleaned before officers arrived.

The multi-level establishment off George Street was closed on Monday under Section
82 of the Liquor Act, which meant the business could not operate for 72 hours.

But Mr Hemmes' company Merivale took action in the NSW Supreme Court and Justice Peter
Johnson set aside the short-term closure order after police and Merivale agreed to consent
orders.

Outside the court, Merivale Group spokesman Tim Allerton said he was happy with the outcome.

"We are delighted that the order has been withdrawn and we'll be trading as normal
from tonight," he told reporters.

The Ivy, which took five years to build and was completed in late 2008, serves 10,000
guests a night across 19 bars, eight restaurants and several special event venues.

It boasts a number of design awards and has a pool on one of its levels.

On Sunday, a number of men were ejected from the nightclub about 1.30am (AEST) before
returning to the premises, police say.

An altercation allegedly began between the group and security guards who detained one
of the men and separated him from his friends.

Police say he was held down, repeatedly kicked, punched and gagged, before being taken
to the basement security area where the assault continued.

Officers were called to Ivy about 2am and a 19-year-old man was taken to St Vincent's
Hospital with facial injuries, which were serious but not life-threatening.

Two security guards, aged 25 and 30, were arrested at the scene and charged with wounding
or grievous bodily harm with intent.

Hotel management allegedly ordered the crime scene be cleaned before police arrived,
hampering a forensic examination of the area.

AAP bs/tr/it/hn

KEYWORD: IVY UPDATE

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