Motel owner sick of noisy parties, mess
‘‘OUT of control’’ student parties are causing motel guests to check out early and leave the city in droves, a frustrated Dunedin motelier says.
While police have praised behaviour in the student area in recent days, Sahara Motel manager Paul Ryder said this year was the worst he had experienced in terms of noisy, messy student parties.
His George St motel is next door to Union St West, which is home to several flats.
‘‘We’ve had consistent problems over the past three or four weeks,’’ Mr Ryder said.
‘‘Last night [Thursday night] there were over 300 students piling out on to the street, broken glass, at about 1.30am.’’
That was causing guests to check out early and leave Dunedin, he said.
‘‘We’ve had numerous customer complaints.’’
About 60% of his guests were in the city for health reasons, such as undergoing chemotherapy or having a child in Dunedin Hospital.
‘‘They need their sleep.’’ He wanted students to be considerate of the community, and take responsibility for themselves.
‘‘Students bring a lot of vibe, colour and fun to the town and it’s a shame a small bunch let the majority down.’’
Mr Ryder contacted the Dunedin City Council about the issue yesterday morning.
In an emailed response, environmental health and alcohol licensing team leader Carlo Bell said the council, and noise control, had attended ‘‘a number of callouts, issued warnings and seized equipment in Union St over the last few days’’.
‘‘The parties are migrating from flat to flat and also out on to the street,’’ she wrote.
‘‘Also with the sheer number of people involved, it is at times unsafe for the officers.’’
A police spokeswoman said police were notified at 11.13pm of a large party on Union St West.
Police and noise control attended, she said.