Liquor licensing authority backs policy

A test-case decision issued by the Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA) has backed the Queenstown Lakes District Council’s new liquor policy, imposing 4am closing in the district.


“A handful of bars applied for new on-licences before the new policy was adopted, effectively exploring a loophole to look to trade at 24-hours for some two years beyond the adoption of the new 4am closing policy,” QLDC Mayor Clive Geddes said.


Applications for the renewal of six on-licences and two applications for granting new on-licences were heard by the LLA, presided over by Judge E W Unwin, after the District Licensing Authority (DLA) objected to the applications on the basis of the new policy.


The bars were: Sky Bar; Harry’s Pool Bar; The Mini Bar; Barmuda; Subculture; Q Lounge and Debajo (two applications).


“There are 18 on-licence premises in the Queenstown CBD affected by this policy, all with differing licence expiry dates. The judge has decided that 4am closing will apply to all premises from August 4, 2008, the date when the last 24-hour licence will be up for renewal,” Mr Geddes said.


The council was encouraged by the LLA’s clear support for the policy, he said.


“The judge has weighed the evidence presented and come to the conclusion that he wants to give the council the opportunity to ‘test’ its policy. It’s unfortunate the bars in question have forced the community to go to the expense of defending its policy but it’s a good result,” Mr Geddes said.


The decision was expected to influence the remainder of 24-hour licence renewal applications.


“The community can take some comfort that the LLA’s decision has vindicated the thorough consultative process undertaken by the council and the DLA before adopting this policy,” Mr Geddes said.


Despite these bars collectively throwing some legal brain power behind their case, the judge had seen fit to reject their evidence.


“It remains to be seen if these bars pursue the matter to the High Court. That would be a disappointing outcome, given the lengths that the LLA has gone to in order to justify the decision,” Mr Geddes said.


ENDS