Melbourne nightclub a 'fire risk'

Melbourne's largest nightclub - licensed to host 7,000 people - does not meet basic fire standards, according to documents obtained by Fairfax newspapers, and has been described as a "tragedy waiting to happen" by the Melbourne Fire Brigade.

Fairfax said on Monday the CQ Bar, located on four floors of the former RACV building in Queen Street, did not meet fire safety guidelines or health and safety requirements such as exit widths, toilets and ventilation, according to a Melbourne City Council (MCC) assessment obtained by the newspaper.

Blue Diamond, a nightclub on the 15th floor of the same building, is licensed for a further 1,010 people.

The documents called for the number of patients allowed in at CQ Bar to be substantially cut and referred the issue to Liquor Licensing Victoria.

"Council's assessment of the basic plans indicates that the total number of occupants should be in the order of around one-third the number permitted by the liquor licence," MCC acting chief executive Geoff Lawler said.

Although the council found there was no immediate risk to occupants, the transfer of a 24-hour liquor licence from the former RACV Club, which once occupied the site, to nightclub operator Harold Chua has "infuriated" Metropolitan Fire Brigade director of safety Keith Adamson, Fairfax said.

"We've seen some horrendous fires at nightclubs overseas and these regulations are the minimum standards that must be met," Mr Adamson said.

"There are a huge number of people gathered in one spot, many impaired by alcohol and possibly other drugs, so you have the potential for an absolute tragedy.

"Potentially you could lose hundreds of young people in a fire at that place if they don't have all the requirements in place.".

Mr Chua did not return calls.

Liquor Licensing Victoria director Sue Maclellan said she would await the council's final report before altering the licence conditions.

theage.com.au