A small rural community is rallying behind its only hotel after the venue lost its liquor licence this month, in what one local described as “a body blow”.
The licence holder at the Castlepoint Hotel had hoped to keep serving alcohol while the appeals process was underway, but this week the venue confirmed they had closed the bar.
The move follows a decision earlier this month by Masterton District Council’s licencing committee not to renew the on and off licence, citing problems including serving drunk customers, and an accident involving a teenage driver over the legal alcohol limit.
In a Facebook post late on Wednesday, the hotel operators confirmed it was last rounds until the licensing issues were successfully addressed.
“We’re very sorry to let everyone know that from Thursday, 27 November, we won’t be able to serve alcohol due to ongoing licensing issues. We know how disruptive this is, and we’re doing everything we possibly can to fix the situation,” the post said.
“We are still serving food as normal, and our team are actively working to remedy the issue. We’re expecting an update from the authorities in the coming days and will keep you informed as soon as we know more.
“Thank you for your understanding and support — we’re fighting hard to get back to normal as quickly as possible.”
Masterton’s District Licensing Committee last month heard allegations of staff serving drunk patrons, inadequately trained staff, “lock-ins” where alcohol would be served after hours, an assault on a staff member and a car accident involving a young drunk driver.
In response the applicants, said the incidents were either historic, exaggerated, or related to problems which had been addressed or were in the process of being rectified.
‘Bloody-minded bureaucracy’
Local resident Alan Emerson said the situation had hurt the small rural community.
“I think the situation is a body blow to the local community who rely on the hotel as an employer, a social hub and provider of food, drink and accommodation,” he said.
“It brings tourists into the area who spend money locally.
“The busy time for the hotel will be over the next three months when it will be closed by what I would describe as bloody-minded bureaucracy.”
Emerson said he accepted the council had a regulatory function but said it needed to be applied in a practical way.
Comments on the hotel’s Facebook site echoed Emerson’s views, with one calling the venue an “important local amenity”.
“Hope it all works out for you guys. All the best and good luck. You’ve got this and support from us the locals,” said another.
Jason Osborne is one of the directors of Fireballs Imports Ltd, the unsuccessful licensee.
He confirmed on Friday an appeal had been lodged but he preferred not to comment while the process was underway.
“We won’t be commenting on that process, other than to acknowledge the amazing understanding and support we have received from the community.”
Osborne said last week process improvements were underway.
“We are committed to working constructively with the relevant agencies and to continuing improvements to our systems and practices.”
A Masterton council spokesperson said unsuccessful applicants could appeal to the licencing authority by giving notice within 10 working days of the decision.
“If an appeal is lodged, the licencing authority will decide whether the applicant can continue to trade while the appeal is heard,” they said.
In its decision, the licensing committee said that “safely and responsibly” meant meeting not only the letter of the legislation but its intent, which carried a duty of care for people using the services of the on/off-licence.
The committee noted Castlepoint was relatively isolated, taking approximately 50 minutes to drive from Masterton.
“As such, the committee believes that there is a more pressing onus due to the relative isolation and distance from support, if required, on the applicant to show that they understand the requirements of the Act and have the systems and staff training in place to not only demonstrate compliance, but to ensure that the patrons are suitably and responsibly served,” the decision said.
The committee noted the potential to remedy the issue with a change in management structure, and clear devolved responsibilities and authority for the day-to-day operations by a trained, competent general manager.
“Until such action is undertaken however, the committee sees little potential for a new application being successful,” the decision said.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
