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HEAVEN nightclub's troubled start to the year worsened after 14
members and associates of an outlaw bikie gang clashed with the
venue's security early yesterday.
The latest incident – which led to a heavy glass window at
the nightclub being smashed – comes just two days after
Heaven manager John Pike publicly declared he had severed ties
with any security firms with known links to bikie gangs.
The altercation is believed to have involved members of the Finks
motorcycle club and was sparked when 14 men arrived at the
nightclub on West Tce, city, in bikie club colours.
No charges were laid for the property damage but a man was later
reported for allegedly possessing a small amount of amphetamine.
Heaven has been the scene of at least three recent altercations
involving bikies.
The venue's former security provider David Clavell – also
known as David Oppes – also chose Heaven as the location to
tell his employees the company would fold to avoid further bikie
conflict.
That company, Sterling Security, had been identified by police
and security sources as having clear links with bikie members,
namely the Hells Angels.
Speaking on behalf of Mr Pike, lawyer Greg Griffin said Heaven's
new security firm was working on Friday night and denied the
altercation was related.
"There were no links, it was just one of those incidents
that happens," Mr Griffin said.
"Like all the major clubs, it would be unlikely to permit,
at that time of night, a group of 14 males into the venue."
He said the members were refused entry as they did not meet the
dress code.
"As they departed, a window was broken," he said.
"The patrons inside would not have been aware of the fact
that there was an incident. It was over in a matter of
minutes."
A window was broken about 2.55am and the club's doors temporarily
closed so the men could not enter the club.
Police issued a brief statement and refused to confirm Heaven was
the scene of the incident, despite the broken window being
visible from West Tce.
"Police are calling for witnesses to an incident which
occurred at an entertainment venue in the west end of the
Adelaide CBD about 2.55am," the police statement said.
"A number of persons believed to be associated within a
motorcycle club allegedy tried to gain entry to the club."
Police said they were later spoken to by police at at another,
undisclosed, city venue.
Police said they maintained a "high visibility approach to
ensure the safety and reassurance of the public".
"Police wish to advise that this type of anti-social
behaviour will not be tolerated," the statement said. A
police spokesman said no further comment.
The Advertiser
