By Eddie Botha
The cash-strapped owner of upmarket nightclub Fashion TV (FTV) in the Hemingways Mall has left a trail of debt totalling about R1 million.
The club could face closure after the electrical contractor withheld FTV’s certificate of compliance (CoC) because he was owed money.
FTV has been marred by controversy since opening a month ago. Owner Earl Phillip promised to treat VIP guests to a feast of celebrity culture and glamour when he opened his club last month, but some revellers, a fter forking out R500 for a ticket , demanded their money back after a disappointing night of broken promises .
To add to FTV’s woes, angry creditors this week revealed Phillip’s trail of debt, which totals more than R1m, including a R50000 cash cheque which his bank refused to honour.
Phillip, who claims he has already spent R7m on FTV, however, insisted yesterday that everyone would be paid.
“I have a number of properties and at the end of the day I could sell some of them and pay back what I owe.”
Shone’s Electrical’s Geoff Shone confirmed that he still had FTV’s CoC in his possession as the club owner had not yet paid his R702000 account .
Hemingways manager Rachel Klaasen said there were processes for tenants to follow – including handing in a CoC for electrical installation s. Klaasen confirmed that the centre has not yet received Phillip’s CoC.
“If he does not have the correct certificate he will not be able to open at the weekend.”
Klaasen said Phillip obtained a temporary certificate for the launch of FTV.
However, Eastern Cape Electrical Contractors’ Board’s Lucas Bowles said in law a temporary CoC did not exist, and there could be major insurance implications for Phillip and the mall in case of an accident where there was no CoC .
Surveillance Solutions International’s Richard Low, who installed security cameras and equipment at FTV, has already removed two of the expensive cameras after Phillip paid him only the first of four instalments of a R250000 bill.
Aloe Travel’s Laurette Haynes said Phillip owed her travel agency about R100000.
At Everest Marble & Granite, the Dispatch was told Phillip owes a substantial amount. Phillip also owes Bacalum tile company a few hundred thousand.
Source: Daily Dispatch
Publisher: I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge
