Night club owners `test the waters'
Ozone night club is up for sale but co-owner Simon "Stubby" Carruthers denies the Hamilton venue is losing money.
He said partners Gary Sheppard, Jason Bracewell and Damian Payne all had other business interests.
Also up for sale is the Lucky Strike Casino which used to be called the Rock Room at the Front Street night spot.
He said there were plenty of ideas to keep the club going, including comedy, darts and live music, if Ozone stays in their hands.
Mr. Carruthers said: "We are testing the waters to see what's going on. We have had it two years. All the other business partners have other interests.
"We have taken it on, refurbished it, changed the name from Oasis to Ozone.
"As far as we are concerned it's a great place to sell. It's the ideal time to sell it - before the start of the season.
"We are waiting for offers to come in. Business is good but it's the wrong time of year to make predictions."
Mr. Carruthers said the venue, which used to feature The Kennel Boys in the Rock Room, would have live music again this summer.
He said the bottom bar had been converted because it was getting such little use.
"It was only open for about 12 hours a week for the music. I can't justify that as a businessman.
"It was never open, even though Front Street is a perfect location. Now it is a minibar sports bar with gaming machines."
He said the plan was to have the Kennel Boys playing an early spot on Fridays on the stage in the top room before handing things over to a DJ at midnight.
Mr. Carruthers said there had been plans to get in overseas bands but they had fallen foul of immigration. However he said there were plans to have darts matches at the venue with a tournament after Labour Day.
Comedy was also being considered. Mr. Carruthers said: "This used to be a comedy club.