Tattoo parlour attributed to “human error”

The Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP has attributed the opening of a controversial King’s Cross tattoo parlour to “human error”. Mark Alexander-Erber, who commissioned Kings Cross Ink, is allegedly associated with John Ibrahim, renowned as “the lifeblood of the drugs industry in Kings Cross.”

Evidence suggests that the development application was not discussed or voted on by City of Sydney councillors. Ms Moore said: “Councillors (including myself) weren’t briefed about the DA ahead of its approval and so the DA (development application) wasn’t brought to a Council meeting for determination.”

A spokesperson for Living Sydney, Barry Goldman said councillors had disapproved of the proposal. “As late as yesterday it was found that three councillors called for a briefing stating that they weren’t happy about the approval. It is no longer about the mistake but the fact that the council knew about it and have been trying to cover it up,” he said.

Evidence also suggests planning estimates were incorrect. “What nobody knows yet is that the DA Compliance Property premises was not actually in compliance with the DA,” Mr Goldman said. “The cost of the building plans was estimated at $5,000 when in fact it will probably cost up to $50,000.”

A local resident who objected to the planning sent a letter to the council highlighting his concerns. Ms Moore said: “Under state planning laws a council can t consider a person’s character when approving Development Applications, they can only examine the possible environmental impacts that may result from a proposal.

Earlier in the year NSW government passed a bill banning bikie colours from 58 different King’s Cross night spots, as well as giving police the authority to judge whether someone is fit to own, run, or work in a tattoo parlour.

Ms Moore said: “I supported the Tattoo Parlours Bill to create a licensing system for tattoo parlours, with powers for licences to be refused if the NSW Police Commissioner deems the applicant not a fit and proper person. The bill had bipartisan support.”

Many residents took to Twitter to express their contempt. Councillor Shayne Mallard tweeted “Unacceptable stuff up by Council! RT @dailytelegraph John Ibrahim parlour protest file lost.” There is to be a detailed inquiry into the debacle.

Ms Moore organised a community meeting for Tuesday night to discuss the issue with the community’s stakeholders.

By Lills Patel