A new $3 million Las Vegas-style strip club and massage parlour in upper Queen St is due to open next month after being granted a 24-hour liquor licence today.
This followed decisions by the Auckland Kindergarten Association and the Salvation Army to drop their objections to a liquor licence for the White House, being heralded as "Auckland's finest and most exclusive Gentleman's Club."
The kindergarten association, which is opening a new daycare centre only 50 metres away from the White House in January, has accepted an offer from the management to provide lighting and security surveillance around the kindergarten in Myers Park.
Following evidence for the White House at today's Liquor Licensing Authority hearing, the Salvation Army announced it had listened to undertakings by the management as to how they planned to run the building. On that basis it withdrew its objection.
The Salvation Army is the next-door-neighbour to the White House.
Wellington strip club owner Brian Le Gros told the hearing he had spent about $3 million restoring the historic Theosophical Society building from a derelict trouble spot and former rave bar of very loud music, young people and drugs into a choreographed cabaret-style adult entertainment centre. Star turn would be his troupe of strippers under the name the New Zealand Angels.
In addition, there would be a massage parlour in the basement level called Monica's.
White House manager Lisa Convey said the White House would have a Las Vegas-type theme and was aimed at the business and tourist market.
"It is of concern to me that my premises operate in a secure and reputable environment...I do not consider that there will be any intrusion on the use of the area by the adjoining kindergarten or Salvation Army," Lisa Convey said.
Among the references made in support of the liquor licence was one from former Wellington Mayor Mark Blumsky who said Mr Le Gros' businesses "provide a colourful addition to Wellington's nightlife and entertainment scene.
"He brings a mature and business-like approach to any issues raised, and I wish him every success in his new venture in Auckland," Mr Blumsky wrote.
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