Dunedin’s district licensing committee granted JV Bars Ltd an on-licence and off-licence for the St Kilda Tavern, which for the past five months had been selling alcohol using temporary licences.
Its application was opposed by police, the medical officer of heath delegate and the city’s chief licensing inspector.
JV Bars director Vishav Singh said he felt “immense relief, gratitude and genuine joy” upon learning of the decision.
“This outcome acknowledges the hard work and responsibility we uphold at the tavern and it reaffirmed the committee’s trust in JV Bars Ltd”.
In its decision, committee secretary Kevin Mechen said they were mindful of two other companies which had attempted to license the premises within the past two years. One withdrew its application and another failed to convince the committee it was suitable to sell alcohol.
The latter, Kilda Hospitality Ltd, had its renewal application declined in May for issues including the availability of food.
Police in their opposition report submitted that application had “showed evidence of intoxication, poor management, staff members consuming illegal substances and patrons serving themselves alcohol”.
“Little had changed” in the pub’s operations since that application was declined.
But Mr Mechen said “no evidence was produced to indicate there is any link between the two previous applicants and JV Bars Ltd”.
During the five months Mr Singh had been at the premises, visits by regulatory agencies had not identified any issues that required any form of action.
He relocated to Dunedin and was working at the premises five days a week, demonstrating “a commitment to the business”.
“In the time he has been there, Mr Singh has developed a good understanding of the environment in which he is operating and has got to know his patrons.
“This was evident by the support he received from a good number of the patrons who attended both the original and reconvened hearings.”
While Mr Singh at an initial interview with the agencies did not appear to have good knowledge of the pub’s legal obligations nor the area it was located, this had improved by the time of subsequent meetings.
“It was conceded by the agencies that the manner in which the first meeting was conducted may have contributed to his nervousness”.
The evidence submitted by police was that there was a lot of alcohol-related harm in the immediate area of the premises, Mr Mechen said.
“However, the data was over a five-year period so, as pointed out by counsel, does not show any trends.
“The data also appeared to contain matters unrelated to alcohol-related harm, for example, ‘administration’, ‘suspicious behaviour’ and ‘breach of alcohol ban’.”
The committee was satisfied in regards to liquor laws and decided to grant the licences.
Mr Singh said he was grateful to the people who attended both hearings in support.
“Their presence in the public gallery reflected the strong bond we have built, and their happiness following the decision matched my own.”
Locals could look forward to further developments at the pub including improved facilities and a community-focused atmosphere.
tim.scott@odt.co.nz
