News

Popular Dunedin venue Queens Bar has had its application for an on-licence declined following a hearing before the Dunedin District Licencing Committee on 11 April. The decision concerned applicant Ian Robbins, of Dogtown Limited, who sought a licence after letting his expire at the end of the first twelve months, and who was considered unsuitable to hold a licence by Police, the Medical Officer of Health, and Licencing Inspectors.

In a report released from the hearing, the Committee Board heard submissions first from Robbins, then from Fishrider Records’ Ian Henderson. Robbins said that Queens is a music and cultural venue with most of the patrons being musicians and artists of various ages. He said he prided himself on a responsible venue that offered good music and a safe environment.

He considered the assessment that he is not suitable and lacked understanding of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 to be wholly inaccurate. He believed he is suitable to hold an alcohol licence, he agrees with the object of the Act and to that end he believes Queens is a place for people to drink and socialise in safety, away from the “maddening crowd in the Octagon.” Henderson, in support of Robbins, said that it would not be good for Dunedin if the venue closed.

In a submission from the Police, Sgt Ian Paulin revealed Robbins had let the alcohol licence for Chick’s expire, and that letting such a foundational business document expire would have an impact on his suitability in the future. He considered it “careless” and doing so a second time was “irresponsible.” Sgt Paulin recognised that the venue had not attracted any disorder or issues, but based his objection on Mr Robbins’ poor organisation and inefficiencies. Concern was also expressed regarding the lack of staff, Robbins’ lack of knowledge of the legal definition of intoxication and the lack of low strength alcohol available, according to Martine Cashell-Smith, speaking on behalf of the Medical Officer of Health.

The report concluded, “It is expected the overall standard of suitability for the holder of an alcohol licence is higher than that of a manager’s certificate. In this case the applicant does not meet the suitability threshold required.” In declining the application, the Committee were still “mindful of the venue’s value to the music community and Mr Robbins’ ability to run events.”

The report indicated Robbins has 10 working days from receiving the decision in which to lodge an appeal to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority. Critic’s repeated attempts to reach Robbins and to find out his intentions were unsuccessful.