Bar open four hours a week gets licence
It is open for only four hours a week and last served a meal before the Covid lockdown — is this New Zealand's most peculiar pub?
The unusual operating practices of Dunedin's Harbourview Stadium Hotel have been revealed after it applied to renew its liquor licence recently.
Pub owner Dr Hu Zhang bought the Ravensbourne premises in 2011 with a view to converting it into accommodation for students and visiting academics, but locals convinced him to keep the bar open so they had a place to meet for a drink.
It is split into three parts — a bar, restaurant and upstairs accommodation — and also opened a cafe area in 2018.
The bar used to be open between 4pm and 8pm from Tuesday to Sunday.
But once it reopened after the pandemic, its opening hours were ultimately reduced to between 4.30pm and 8pm on Wednesdays only.
The Dunedin district licensing committee seemed perplexed when Dr Zhang applied for the pub's liquor licence to be renewed.
"Because they are open for such a short time on one day of the week, the impression would be that the premises is not trading," district licensing committee secretary Kevin Mechen said.
It sometimes adjusted its hours when there were local events or parties, Mr Mechen said.
"The locals use text messaging to let each other know they are going for a drink.
"Unfortunately, some of their locals can no longer get to the premises because of their ages."
Most patrons went to the pub for a soft drink or beer and did not buy food.
"When asked when the last meal was prepared at the premises, Dr Zhang said it was before the Covid lockdown.
When reporting agencies visited the premises, they found "the barest of food available for sale" and not enough to meet requirements.
At a hearing last month, Dr Zhang had "by his own admission" said he did not need the premises, Mr Mechen said.
The committee nevertheless decided to renew the licence for a truncated period to February 28 next year.
When contacted yesterday, Dr Zhang said he was happy with the committee's decision but declined to comment further.
A licensing inspector had indicated they would visit the premises every two months to ensure compliance with the legislation, Mr Mechen said.
"We understand the applicant's desire to maintain a place for the locals to socialise but more needs to be done to make it a desirable premises and to ensure compliance with the legislation."
The committee reminded Dr Zhang there must be a certified manager working whenever the pub was open for the sale of alcohol and food must be available that met requirements, Mr Mechen said.
When the Otago Daily Times visited the premises about 5pm yesterday the front door was locked and the lights in the bar area were turned off.
tim.scott@odt.co.nz
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