Hefty fines have been handed to a north Queensland hotel and Gold Coast strip club, after the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services found them to have breached fire safety regulations.
A fine of $30,000 was handed to the owner of Surfers Paradise strip club Hollywood Showgirls and Lounge Bar, who also manages apartments in the building, after QFES officers found fire alarms had been disabled and fire doors blocked during several inspections.
The building occupier was convicted of 25 charges, fined and had a conviction recorded.
Meanwhile, Magnum's Hotel in Airlie Beach, 150 kilometres north of Mackay, was hit with a $42,500 for disabling fire alarms.
A total of 25 charges were brought against the hotel after QFES officers discovered the offences during a routine audit of the monitored alarm system.
QFES Manager of Compliance and Prosecution Mark Halverson said type of properties where the breaches occurred was particularly concerning.
"Fire detection and alarm systems are vital lifesaving equipment, especially in night clubs and hotels, where patrons may be affected by alcohol and large groups of people congregate in small spaces," he said.
QFES Commissioner Katarina Carroll said the two sets of legal action served as a warning to other businesses.
"It's unfortunate that legal action was necessary in these situations, but the safety of patrons, staff and the community, should be the number one priority of any business owner and occupier."
In 2000, 15 people died at the Childers Palace Backpackers Hostel fire after Robert Paul Long deliberately set the building ablaze.
A further 15 people died in 1973 in the Whiskey Au Go Go nightclub firebomb attack in Brisbane – Australia's worst mass murder.
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