Submitted by Shannon on 16th June, 09:51PM

Lawyers acting for prominent Melbourne nightclub owner, Peter Iwaniuk, have issued an ultimatum to the Government to immediately cease its false and misleading lockout advertising campaign or face the possibility of further legal action.

“Premier Brumby has accused water pipeline protesters of lying, yet at the same time he allows his Government to use taxpayer’s money to grossly mislead the public. This is hypocrisy at its worst” said Mr Iwaniuk.

In Supreme Court action taken by Mr Iwaniuk on Tuesday, Justice James Judd agreed the advertisements could be seen as misleading, adding "This advertisement seems to me at the very least create some confusion,"
"It seems to me to be incorrect when one looks at the orders of Justice Bell and VCAT." Justice Judd said.

“The advertisements unequivocally inform the public that after 2am you won’t be able to get into any pub or nightclub in the City, Docklands, Yarra, Port Phillip or Stonnington” said Mr Iwaniuk

“This is clearly untrue and already has had a big impact on the 110 businesses which have won exemptions through VCAT. The Government’s advertising was clearly one of the reasons the long weekend trade was quieter than usual” Mr Iwaniuk added.

Mr Iwaniuk has asked all businesses to keep accurate records of losses and costs incurred as result of the Government’s 2am lockout as further evidence for a class action against the Government at a later stage.

“As part of our immediate legal action, we will also be seeking advice on whether the Government has acted in contempt of VCAT where the 110 exemptions were granted” concluded Mr Iwaniuk.