Pub serves minors for fourth time

A pub that sold alcohol to minors four times in 10 years has had its liquor licence renewed, despite legislation calling for a ‘‘vigorous approach’’ in such situations.

Te Aute Hotel near Hastings was caught selling alcohol to minors aged 16 and 17 on March 11 last year as part of a controlledpurchase operation by the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board and the Hastings District Licensing Inspector.

The volunteers were sold two bottles of RTDs containing 7 per cent alcohol. Neither was asked for proof of age.

The pub had already been caught selling to minors in August 2013, June 2011 and January 2007. The first two misdemeanours were punished with a 24-hour suspension of the licence. In 2013, it was suspended for a week.

At the same time as considering what sort of enforcement action should be taken, the New Zealand Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority last month also considered whether the pub’s licence should be renewed.

The application for renewal was initially opposed by police, the local medical officer of health and the district licensing inspector, but all three withdrew their opposition when appearing before the authority.

But police did apply for a ‘‘lengthy period of suspension’’ with the prospect of cancelling the licence completely if there were future breaches.

While it was the fourth time the pub had been caught out, the authority noted the advice from police that the pub was not considered a ‘‘problem premises’’.

‘‘They are located in a rural area with a small local patronage and do not come to the attention of police,’’ the authority said in its decision, made public yesterday.

It decided to grant the licence, but for two years instead of the usual three.

Asked why police withdrew opposition to the renewal, alcohol harm prevention officer Ray Wylie said the licensee had given assurances that improvements would be made and a controlled operation undertaken since last March had shown this appeared to be the case.

‘‘They are aware the police and inspector are likely to oppose the next renewal of the licence if improvements are not made/continued,’’ Wylie said.

The pub’s owner, Ian Morse, said he had learned the error of his ways. He accepted the suspension and was confident the mistake would not be made again.

Hawke’s Bay DHB medical officer of health Rachel Eyre said: ‘‘The suitability of the applicant was the key issue at stake during the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority hearing.

‘‘However, during the enforcement part of that hearing, there was an undertaking by the applicant to improve their systems, staff and training which met the standard of acceptance of the other agencies ...

‘‘The applicant was made well aware they would face opposition from all three agencies at the next renewal should no significant improvements be made and that this was their final chance to get it right.’’