On-License Opposed for Yet Another Dunedin Venue

On-License Opposed for Yet Another Dunedin Venue

Police Concerned "Second Time He Has Let A License Expire

Yet another popular Dunedin venue is risking closure after its on-licence expired and a new application was opposed by the Police and the Medical Officer of Health. Popular music venue Queens Bar at Queens Garden will face a hearing before the Dunedin District Licencing Committee on 11 April where opponents to the licence will present submissions, with the committee ultimately deciding the fate of the Bar.

Dogtown Limited has applied for an on-licence for Queens Bar for the hours between 8am and 3am the following day. The Companies Register lists Ian Robbins as the sole director of the Company, and Robbins is listed as the applicant for the on-licence in the report to the DLC. The report indicates that Robbins intends to continue using the venue in a similar tavern format to previously and he intends to host various live music performances as well as operate as a café during the day.

Critic spoke with Dunedin Liquor Licencing Inspector Tony Mole who reported on the application himself, along with the Police and the District Health Board. He said the opposition to Ian Robbins’ application stemmed from his suitability, and he mentioned this was the “second time he has let a licence expire,” the first being when Robbins held a licence at another popular music venue, Chick’s Hotel. The police report to the Committee indicated that the previous licence for Queens expired on 14 December 2013. Robbins contends he knew it was due to expire but failed to notice when it had.

Following the expiration, the premise was assessed by the working parties when Robbins applied for a new on-licence. “When we assessed the premises, Robbins’ answers to some of questions were very vague” and they “added to the impression Robbins is unfit to hold a licence,” said Mole. The Police report indicated that Robbins was “struggling to grasp some fundamental aspects of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012,” when they visited the premises on 10 March. They were particularly concerned that Robbins was the sole duty manager employed by the business, the application was poorly completed, a lack of low-alcohol beverages were on offer, and musicians were at times allowed to collect cover charges at the door, a function that should be performed by a licenced security guard.

Medical Officer of Health Marion Poore indicated that the Dunedin Alcohol Partnership had also met with Robbins and, based on that meeting, opposed the application for an on licence due to “the suitability of the applicant.” Poore shared a similar sentiment to the Police and felt Robbins had “questionable knowledge and awareness” of the new legislation and definition of intoxication, evidenced by his lack of knowledge that offering low alcohol beers is a condition of his licence. She was also concerned with Robbins “not having appropriate systems, staff, and training to comply with the law; and the proposed trading hours.” The knowledge and training of door staff, as well as security, was an issue in regard to prohibiting minors from purchasing alcohol.

The District Licencing Committee will hear arguments from the Police and the Medical Officer of Health who will “give explanations [as to] why Robbins is unsuitable.” Mole said Robbins may put together his own report for why he should be granted the on-licence. The Committee will be governed by Deputy Chair Andrew Noone, and also include Colin Lind and former Cabinet member David Benson-Pope.

Mole said that it is “up to Robbins to get people to speak on his behalf” at the hearing, and it is “not like a council meeting where there is a public component.” Upon hearing all submissions a decision will be made and, should the Committee decline the application, there will be “room for Robbins to seek an appeal” to the Alcohol Regulatory Licencing Authority. However, he added, “Unfortunately the process is not a quick process.”

At the time of print, Robbins was unable to be reached for comment and it was unclear if he would be presenting a defence at the hearing.
This article first appeared in Issue 7, 2014.
Posted 4:50pm Sunday 6th April 2014 by Claudia Herron.