Owner’s licence application deferred for year

THE new owner of the Luggate Hotel has been given a year to prove himself.

Hotel coowner Rodney Bowler appeared before the Queenstown Lakes District Licensing Committee on April 6 after his application for a manager’s certificate was opposed by police, primarily because of seven convictions and his failure to disclose them.

The 57yearold engineer’s convictions spanned 26 years, the most recent being for disorderly behaviour, for which he was sentenced in the Queenstown District Court in March.

In his decision, committee chairman Judge Bill Unwin said Mr Bowler was granted a manager’s certificate in 2008.

‘‘The inference is that he was then considered to be suitable, as a period of nearly seven years had elapsed since his last offending date.

‘‘It is worthy of note that all offending had resulted in a fine being imposed.’’

Judge Unwin said in the majority of cases, applicants would reach a stage where ‘‘they can show that they have learnt the lesson from the past and can be relied upon in the future’’.

Describing it as a ‘‘balancing exercise’’, Judge Unwin said the committee must set a time during which an applicant could show they were suitable to manage the premises.

He said Mr Bowler made a good impression and, while he was not ‘‘committed’’ to the hospitality industry, he had made a substantial investment in it.

‘‘He needs to assume some responsibility in the way his premises are operated.’’

Mr Bowler had ‘‘some time to go’’ before the committee could be confident he would be a ‘‘responsible, professional and suitable manager’’ and Judge Unwin adjourned the application to April 1, 2018.

Provided there were satisfactory reports from the police and licensing inspector and Mr Bowler had not come to their attention in any negative way, the application would be granted without another hearing.

‘‘If there are further concerns then either there will be a further hearing, or the application will be declined.’’