Skimpy petition lifts hopes
A grassroots campaign to support the return of topless entertainers at the Federal Hotel has kicked off following the suspension of the hotel’s liquor licence.
The hotel — known by its regulars as “The Feddy”— shut its doors last week after its liquor licence was suspended by the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor.
The licence was suspended by the Department at the request of the licensee, less than two months after its grand reopening.
The hotel’s current manager Tracey Pritzler confirmed this yesterday, but said she did not know the reason behind the decision.
However, Ms Pritzler said the petition in support of topless entertainers at the bar was unrelated to the licence suspension.
Instead, Ms Pritzler said it was part of her bid to purchase the hotel from its current owner.
She said the deal, which has been on the table since November, was contingent on successfully transferring the hotel’s liquor licence.
Part of this process involves outlining patron support for the hotel’s Blue Zone, where topless dancers perform several shows every night.
But the practice comes with strict regulations, including security at the door one hour before and after the show, windows blocked and doors shut during the performance.
So far, a change.org petition had recruited one hundred supporters for the hotel in less than a day.
Ms Pritzler said she wanted to restore The Feddy as the main bar for a practice which is on the decline in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
“We’re well known for that (topless dancers),” she said.
“I don’t want to see it taken away, it is what The Feddy is known for; I just want it back to the way it was.
“It has been over-regulated a bit, Kalgoorlie is known for topless dancers, not only for gold.
“It would be taking part of that history away.”
Australian Hotels Association central division president Andrew Mackay said yesterday he was unaware of the details of the licence suspension of transfer.
Mr Mackay said neither the current owner nor Ms Pritzler had received assistance from the organisation.
File picture: Kalgoorlie Miner
