Taxi Club to ‘relocate – not close’

Taxi Club management have moved to assure patrons that it is not closing, despite persistent rumours, but has admitted the nightspot is certainly enduring trying times.

General manager Michelle Mancini emailed contractors, suppliers and community groups today seeking to reassure them that the Taxi Club’s future is secure.

“Due to previous debts, the whole economic changes and smoking legislation and increased tax for registered clubs only, it has been a struggle,” Mancini wrote.

“With the only reasonable option being the sale of the core property at Flinders St, we were hoping to get a buyer that would lease it back for years to come. Unfortunately the only decent offer we received was a buyer that would lease it back on a short term basis, which means the club has to relocate in approximately February next year.”

Mancini said that management hopes to have one more Mardi Gras at their current location, but implied that will depend on the new landlord.

She said they were currently in discussions with agents and exploring all avenues and locations available.

“Our hope and intention is to RELOCATE and NOT close down. The next six months is critical to the clubs survival and ability to move. We will be making changes to our trading hours and reducing expenses to ensure we have enough to move and enough money to re launch the club somewhere else,” she wrote.

The club is expected to announce when it has found new premises and have stated that ultimately the members will have to approve it.

There will be an information meeting for members on August 9 at 7.30pm.