Actually a good decision

The Herald reports:

The forced closure of an South Dunedin bar is an attack on its patrons, the publican says.

Following a hearing last month the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (Arla) has cancelled the Heffs Hotel’s on-licence and publican Stephen Clark’s managers licence.

Police alleged patrons were intoxicated and were argumentative and abusive when they visited the bar in March after an anonymous tip-off.

Last year the bar was forced to close for a week and Clark and duty manager at the time Jessie Matheson were banned from selling alcohol for six and eight weeks respectively.

There was a solemn mood in the bar when the Otago Daily Times visited yesterday, with many patrons saying they were devastated by the decision.

If a liquor outlet constantly violates the laws around alcohol sale, then it should and will lose its license. If you read the decision you’ll find:

  • two previous suspensions
  • a gang brawl on the premises
  • has opened outside licensed hours
  • the owner/duty manager intoxicated while in charge of the bar
  • duty manager has no certificate
  • on one occasion the duty manager was the cleaner!
  • no food on the menu could actually be supplied, just five heat and eat meals
  • the entire bar being full of intoxicated people after hours

At the second suspension, they were warned another strike would probably see the license cancelled.

 

Comments (42)

Login to comment or vote

Add a Comment