The renewal of a rural Wairarapa pub’s alcohol licences hangs in the balance after opposition from the council’s licensing inspector.
At a compliance visit to the Tinui Bar and Cafe earlier this year, pub owner Maru Turner’s behaviour towards the police attending was seen as rude and inappropriate by the inspector.
The compliance visit followed an incident in December where a group was refused entry to the pub.
They were intoxicated and had arrived half an hour after the pub had closed to patrons, Turner said.
As a result, a fight broke out and two people were injured, one of which was Turner’s partner.
The incident had left Turner with significant stress.
He was issued a warning from police for being intoxicated but challenged this saying his condition as the licensee was of no relevance as he lived on site and the pub was closed.
He was also not the duty manager that night, he said.
In his submission to the Masterton District Licensing Committee, which met last month, licensing inspector Dave Gallagher said he had "concerns with the applicant’s suitability".
The official Alcohol Compliance Inspection report said that at the compliance visit Turner was observed "making a sign with his finger" towards a police senior constable and saying "words to the effect [of] police are no friends of mine".
"...The attitude displayed by the applicant towards police causes me to have serious concerns regarding the applicant’s suitability," Gallagher said.
"He showed a clear disregard for the important role the police play in the licensing process, and he did not concern himself, when displaying his attitude, that patrons could see him."
In a submission to the District Licensing Committee, Turner said the December incident was "incredibly stressful as the person that was attacked is my partner".
He said he continued to feel stress from the incident and did not intend to appear defensive or aggressive during the compliance visit.
He apologised for any offence caused.
In the first year of operating, there had been no other issues that required police intervention, and no other breaches of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, Turner said.
A character reference letter said Turner "consistently demonstrated his commitment to upholding high standards of ethics and conduct whilst owning and operating the Tinui Cafe and Bar".
"He has a reputation for being trustworthy, reliable, and approachable, qualities that are invaluable in the community of Tinui."
A decision on the pub’s on and off-licences would likely be made this month.
The application was not opposed by police or the medical officer of health.
District Licensing Committees consist of three members appointed by a territorial authority for its district.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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