Opposition to bar voiced at meeting

A PROPOSED popup container bar in Invercargill faced opposition at this week’s Invercargill City Council (ICC) meeting.

The Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT) has proposed the bar for Wachner Pl during CBD redevelopments, and has asked the ICC to consider leasing part of its land.

Mark Williams, owner of Quest hotel, which sits near to Wachner Pl, voiced several concerns during the meeting on Tuesday.

He said patrons at his hotel would be subjected to loud noise as well as the potential for added nuisance, vandalism, damage and graffiti in the area.

Similar concerns had been raised to him by owners of the nearby Tuatara Lodge and Railway Hotel.

If the proposed bar was to open, it had the chance of deflecting visitors away from the city, Mr Williams said.

ILT general manager Chris Ramsay responded at the meeting by saying he was happy to negotiate terms on bar opening hours.

He said the proposal did not plan on the bar being a night club or providing live entertainment, but for it to be used as a ‘‘complimentary activity to the surrounding areas.’’

It would also only operate during the construction of the proposed ILT hotel, he said.

Councillors voted to give general support for the concept. Negotiations are to be undertaken by ICC chief executive Clare Hadley before further discussion by the council next year.