A popular Wairarapa coastal watering hole is back in business after receiving an early Christmas present from the council.
By Sue Teodoro, Local Democracy Reporter
The Castlepoint Hotel - the Whakataki recently has been given a reprieve and is now allowed to sell alcohol pending the outcome of its appeal next year.
The venue lost its on and off licences last month following a decision by Masterton District Council's licensing committee, which cited a raft of issues including serving drunk customers and after-hours drinking at the venue.
A decision by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority to allow alcohol to be sold, just in time for the busy holiday period, was welcomed by the licensee and the community.
The hotel’s Facebook post announcing the decision had an enthusiastic response from the community, with more than 70 supportive comments and almost 300 likes.
“Tears of joy,” said one.
“Couldn't have better news for Christmas!! So happy for you!,” said another.
Jason Osborne, one of the directors of Fireballs Imports Ltd, the unsuccessful licensee, said the interim decision meant the hotel could continue selling alcohol until the appeal hearing.
"We are just pleased that a sensible decision has been made, and we are now able to resume trading with our on and off licences," he said.
“We are very appreciative of the outpouring of support from the local community, and look forward to being able to supply a much needed service and location for the local area.
“We have an amazing team on board, who have been very understanding during the last couple of difficult weeks, and they have been busy sprucing up the pub to provide an even more inviting environment.”
“We are now busy planning and preparing a few events, beginning with live entertainment on New Years Eve from the ever popular Jason Ireland, as we welcome in the new year at the Whakataki.”
Masterton District Council's licensing committee removed the hotel's licence last month.
It described problems including serving drunk customers, and an accident involving a teenage driver over the legal alcohol limit.
The committee’s decision also mentioned inadequately trained staff, 'lock-ins' where alcohol would be served after hours, and an assault on a staff member.
The evidence was opposed by the applicants, on the basis it was either historic, exaggerated, or related to problems which had been addressed or were in the process of being rectified.
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Osborne previously said 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 if an appeal was lodged, the licensing authority would decide whether the applicant can continue to trade while the appeal was pending.
Osborne was unsure when the appeal would be heard, but expected it within the next three to six months.
Local Democracy Reporting is local-body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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