Mixed views on Rockingham precinct

Owners of Rockingham hospitality businesses have mixed views on the future of the city’s entertainment precinct.

This comes in the wake of the liquor license suspension at Vibe Nightclub and Zelda’s on Kent Street by the Liquor Commission last week.

Rockingham Chamber of Commerce president Justin Smith said if Vibe was permanently closed it would have a positive impact on the surrounding businesses.

‘‘Vibe staff members would be directly impacted because they would lose their jobs, but other businesses around it who have had a lot of damage over the years would be better off,’’ he said.

Mr Smith said Rockingham had changed over the years, but needed to go ‘‘more upmarket’’.

‘‘People are looking for a better experience and a good atmosphere,’’ he said.

R Bar owners Siobhan Gavin and Trevena Wilson said they would welcome more small, boutique-style bars to spruce up the area and reduce violence.

‘‘The more (bars) you have, the more people come, so all businesses will enjoy increased trade,’’ Ms Wilson said.

‘‘Smaller boutique bars tend to attract more desirable clientele to the area and are able to monitor their patrons better, which reduces drunkenness and violence.’’

Ms Wilson and Ms Gavin said the closure of Vibe Nightclub would reduce violence.

Emma’s on the Boardwalk owner Alan Quinn said he would like to see a more family focus on the foreshore.

‘‘There are four licensed venues down here and I think that is adequate for the population of Rockingham,’’ he said.