An on-licence and off-licence renewal application for Mackies Hotel, in Port Chalmers, was heard by Dunedin’s district licensing committee yesterday.
It was opposed by Dunedin City Council chief licensing inspector Tanya Morrison and medical officer of health delegate Aaron Whipp.
During a site inspection in mid-April, the pair observed a lack of food and the absence of a duty manager during trading hours — breaches of liquor laws Mr Whipp previously said raised “significant concerns about the operation of the premises”.
Ms Morrison said a staff member present, when asked about the available food options, “could not locate a menu within the bar, nor could advise of three substantial food options available on-site”.
Mackies Hotel has been in operation for about the past 40 years.
At yesterday’s hearing, owner and operator Wayne Sefton put the breaches down to “complacency”.
“I’ve got slack, obviously, over the years.
“I’ve been taking a lot of things for granted and it’s come back and kicked me in the butt.”
At the time of the inspection, there had been a “lack of communication” which meant no duty manager was on-site.
He had travelled to Gore for a boxing tournament, while his son had “popped down to watch the rugby” before later returning.
It was “disappointing and unacceptable”.
The staff member who was on site during the inspection had worked there for about a year, and Mr Sefton admitted she “wasn’t up to scratch” and that was all his fault.
It was “unlucky” Ms Morrison and Mr Whipp visited when they did, and the “two imposing figures” perhaps made the staff member “a bit muddled”, he said.
“She’s been shown, but she’s never been asked before.”
Mackies Hotel was “predominantly a wet establishment” but did have bar snacks and limited frozen food available.
Local patrons preferred to bring takeaways with them to eat.
But when pressed, Mr Sefton acknowledged advising patrons about nearby eateries did not comply with the law with regards to the provision of food.
Counsel Thea Sefton, Mr Sefton’s daughter, said her father had been proactive in addressing the deficiencies by undertaking two host responsibility courses, and was educating and upskilling current staff at his own expense.
Ms Morrison said there was “an element of surprise on everyone’s side”, including hers, about what had been observed.
She had known Mr Sefton professionally for nearly 15 years, and he had always been willing to co-operate and take any advice on the chin, she said.
She was not aware of alcohol harm issues arising from the establishment and was confident Mr Sefton would have zero tolerance for any unruly behaviour.
“That doesn’t, obviously, negate the fact that he has to get the systems, staff and training right.”
She believed Mr Sefton had since addressed a lot of the systems which needed to be put in place.
Mr Whipp said they had presumed there would be no issues when he and Ms Morrison went to inspect the tavern.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire investigator Matt Jones said he had met with Mr Sefton and was comfortable Mackies Hotel complied with fire safety regulations.
The committee has reserved its decision.
tim.scott@odt.co.nz
