Wollongong Brothel Secures Council Approval for Extended Operating Hours
A family-operated brothel located in Wollongong has successfully obtained permission from the local council to remain open into the early morning hours. This decision aims to accommodate demand from patrons who are exiting pubs and hotels within the central business district after their closures.
From Pub to Parlour: Meeting Nightlife Demands
Happy Fortune, which has been operating at its West Street address since 2016, recently submitted a development application to Wollongong City Council seeking an extension of its trading hours. The establishment currently opens from 10am to 12:30am each day. However, manager Tony Ku and his aunt, the business owner, requested approval to extend operations until 3:30am daily.
Tony Ku explained the rationale behind the application, stating, "Most of the bars in Wollongong close at 2am ... they will come here, ring the doorbells, even when a closed sign is up, they will still be ringing, knocking." He highlighted that this persistent customer behavior occurs outside the current operating hours, prompting the need for an extension.
Council Approval and Environmental Considerations
The development application included a statement of environmental effects report, which concluded that the extended hours were unlikely to impact neighboring properties adversely. Following a public exhibition period, the council officially approved the change in hours on Thursday, January 22.
This approval allows Happy Fortune to align its services with the local nightlife schedule, potentially reducing instances of antisocial behavior in the vicinity. Mr. Ku emphasized that longer operating hours would provide a safer working environment for female employees compared to offering at-home services.
Addressing Safety and Community Needs
Mr. Ku further elaborated on the benefits of the extended hours, noting that they would cater to the growing needs of the public. "For the weekend fun, a lot of people go to the bars and the club for fun and then want to go somewhere else to have fun as well," he said. "We want to extend time so we can provide as well, so the people in Wollongong have a place to relax."
Currently, Happy Fortune employs three staff members, but Mr. Ku expressed optimism that the longer hours might create opportunities to hire additional personnel in the future. While the ideal scenario would be 24/7 operation, he acknowledged that this might not be feasible at present, settling for the 3:30am closure as a practical compromise.
The approval marks a significant development for the family-run business, reflecting broader trends in night-time economies and regulatory adaptations to community demands.
