Swingers sex club planned for Woolloongabba

by http://www.questnews.com.au/article/2008/01/16/23807_latest_news.html

WOOLLOONGABBA: A swingers' club is operating four nights a week out of a converted garage without planning approval.

Couples International, with four bedrooms and a bondage area, opened at 5 Holden St in August 2006.

In November last year club owners Bryan and Leesa Horn submitted an application for a ``BYO nightclub-style venue’’ after a visit from Brisbane City Council.

They had operated a similar club at 5 Hubert St, Woolloongabba.

If the council does approve the club, the Horns said it would be a first for Queensland. The couple claimed there were ``house parties’’ in Brisbane, including one at West End and one at Calamvale, that operated without approval.

Despite their failure to lodge a development application until November, the Horns said they would rather operate in a regulated environment.

`` We’re keen to make a real success of the business and to do that you need the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed,’’ Mr Horn said.

The Horns won’t face objections from their immediate neighbours, who said the club’s late-night hours helped reduce property damage at night and traffic congestion during the day.

The couple argued the club enhanced relationships for confident and self-assured couples by providing a spark.

``The idea that people have of the lifestyle is one that’s been promoted by 60s movies, dirty picture magazines and the cliche of keys in the bowl . . . in 15 years I’ve never seen any of those things,’’ Mr Horn said.

Councillor Catherine Bermingham (East Brisbane) declined to comment for legal reasons. The cuncil is still assessing the application.

What do you think? Should Couples International receive Council approval to operate a swingers’ club in Woolloongabba? Email your thoughts to letters@southeastadvertiser.com.au