Heff’s new landlord optimistic

A DUNEDIN man believes he can turn around the fortunes of a South Dunedin bar which has a chequered past.

Sean McCarrigan has taken on the lease to Heff’s Hotel in King Edward St and is applying for an onlicence from the Dunedin City Council.

The South Dunedin bar closed at the end of last month after former publican Stephen Clark had his manager’s licence and the bar’s onlicence cancelled by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (Arla).

New licence applications are assessed on the suitability of the applicant, not previous licence holders.

Mr McCarrigan told the Otago Daily Times he preferred to comment on the plans for the pub once the licence process had finished.

Public submissions on the application close on September 7.

In his application, Mr McCarrigan said because of the pub’s history he would be a ‘‘hands on’’ publican.

‘‘I see this as an opportunity for me and my family but I am aware that a huge effort will be required to get this establishment on track.’’

There would be a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to intoxicated patrons.

‘‘I am not an unreasonable person, but will be making it very clear, in a positive manner, to patrons that we will be having very high expectations of customer behaviour.’’

Mr McCarrigan said he wanted to provide a fun environment but also abide by alcohol laws.

He also stated he wanted to work with police and council.

Earlier this year, police applied to Arla to have the licences cancelled after a string of incidents during Mr Clark’s running of the bar, including hosting a gang wake and patrons drinking on Christmas Day.

Before he was forced to close the bar, Mr Clark told the ODT police had targeted the bar because it was a workingclass pub.

At the time, police alcohol harm prevention officer Sergeant Ian Paulin said Mr Clark had ample warning to rectify the issues after previous suspensions in 2012 and 2017.