As Justin Hemmes ponders a decline in fortune at his $50M Ivy nightclub complex with the economic dowturn, local police at The Rock's police station have classed the club and his nearby restaurant and bar complex Establishment, with a 'level two' restriction under new laws that come into force next Tuesday.
The restrictions are applied to venues that have had 12 to 18 reported assaults but as Hemmes points out-this number pales in comparison with the over 2 million visitors who pass through his venues each year.
Not helping his cause is the alleged sexual assault of a female patron last month.
Not helping his cause is the alleged sexual assault of a female patron last month.
The restrictions can have a dramatic affect on liquor sales with bars having to cease serving alcohol 30 mnutes before closing time and with drinks served in plastic beakers, something that would not help the uber-chic feel of Hemmes' watering holes. It's reported Justin borrowed heavily to build Ivy after the amazing success of Establishment with it's award winning restaurants, boutique hotel and various bars.
Earlier this year Hemmes put up for sale the mansion that sits above his parents harbourside, abbey style home where Justin still lives. The house was used as a guest lodge but was passed in with a bid of only $6M just as the financial crunch hit like a tsunami wave.
Hemmes is currently appealing in the NSW Supreme Court with cries of foul that the arbitary imposition of the restrictions is unfair.
On the brighter side, Justin's recently ill dad John, and mum Merivale, both looking a picture of health, gave tSS a cheery wave today as they cruised up leafy Macleay Street in Potts Point in the latest Roll's convertible. Both are justly proud of Justin's entrepreneurial achievments which have surpassed his father and mother's fashion and property empire, and daughter Bettina's skills in decorating her brothers nite-spots.
On Tuesday night Justin's Hemmesphere bar played host to a small select reception for visiting singer Robbie Williams who was the special guest star at last night's ARIA Awards.
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Distant Cousins ? # 1:
Luke Steele Billy Idol
On Tuesday night Justin's Hemmesphere bar played host to a small select reception for visiting singer Robbie Williams who was the special guest star at last night's ARIA Awards.
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Distant Cousins ? # 1:
Luke Steele Billy Idol
