Discarded bottles, wobbly patron put liquor licence at risk
An application by the West Taieri Rugby Football Club for a special liquor licence has been opposed by the medical officer of health delegate and a licensing inspector.
They raised concerns about the club's operations and suitability to hold the licence after a site visit last month, a report to Dunedin's district licensing committee said.
The club was seeking the licence for its 125th jubilee celebrations, scheduled for between May 9 and 11.
It holds a club licence.
On April 12, both the inspector and delegate undertook a joint compliance visit to the premises.
In her reporting, Dunedin City Council chief licensing inspector Tanya Morrison said she observed a half-filled glass of beer alongside "a big bottle of Speight's" outside, near the club's rubbish area, along with several empty bottles up the driveway.
"A group of males was seen walking away from the club, up the road, while drinking from cans.
"These observations suggest alcohol was being consumed outside the licensed area, indicating poor control over licensed premises and a potential breach of licence conditions."
A "visibly intoxicated" male patron was also seen on site, with "slurred speech, wobbly balance and unfocused eyes".
He attempted to leave with an alcoholic drink, but was instructed not to do so, and no visible staff management of the situation was observed, she said.
"Fresh vomit was present outside the main entrance of the club," Ms Morrison said.
"This raises amenity concerns and suggests a lack of effective intoxication management."
She also noted no food was available on their arrival, despite an outdated host responsibility policy and other signs near the bar stating food was available at all times, and a staff member present was unaware of who the duty manager was.
Ms Morrison said she believed the committee would benefit from hearing from the applicant directly.
Medical officer of health delegate Aaron Whipp said the recent observations raised questions about the applicant's ability to comply with the object and requirements of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
Club co-president David McNeill said the opposition was "a wee bit disheartening"
and he hoped the club would be able to proceed with its plans.
"Otherwise it's going to be 250 people who don't have anywhere to go to on that night or that weekend."
The kitchen had closed about 50 minutes before the compliance visit took place, and patrons had until then been eating food around the tables, Mr McNeill said.
The club's outside area was also used by smokers, and it had added signs to remind patrons of their designated drinking areas.
He acknowledged the concerns raised by the licensing inspector.
"We probably thought we had everything in place, but obviously we didn't as far as what we should have."
Jubilee technical director Ian Chalmers — who is not a member of the club and was hired for the event — said the concerns raised from the compliance visit had "nothing to do" with the event.
The club's bar would be closed while a separate bar at a marquee was open during the event.
It had employed a new duty manager, extra staff and organised security to ensure no booze left the tent.
Police did not report on the application.
A hearing has been scheduled for tomorrow.
tim.scott@odt.co.nz
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