A Dunedin publican, who police argue is unfit to hold an alcohol licence, can now open a new bar in the centre city.
Carousel owner John Devereux has been granted an on-licence to run a new bar called Sunset Sam in the empty Terminus building, also formerly known as the Break, in Great King St.
His application was opposed by police, who questioned Mr Devereux's suitability to hold a on-licence, because of repeated breaches at his Stuart St premises.
In its decision, the Dunedin district licensing committee, made up of chairman Colin Weatherall, Andrew Noone and Peter Burrows, said there was no evidence to suggest Mr Devereux was not a suitable person.
On the evidence provided by police, it seemed Mr Devereux acted responsibly when the overcrowding at his bar was brought to his attention, the committee said.
As the application was for a different bar which had an increased capacity, which would lend itself to a different style of management, the committee was confident the bar would be run appropriately.
Mr Devereux said he was happy the issue had been dealt with so he could concentrate on opening the new bar, which had been delayed by about six weeks.
He did not want to comment about opposition to his application from police except to say "it is what it is''.
Incidents cited by police, included two breaches of the Carousel's 50-person capacity, including on the night of last year's Pink concert, when 81 people were found inside.
Police also found an allegedly intoxicated patron inside the venue on December 22 - early on the morning after "tradies'' night - who appeared to have wet themselves and to be falling asleep.
Mr Devereux will still have to defend himself and his bar at a Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (Arla) hearing next month.
Police have also applied to Arla to have Carousel's on-licence and his manager's certificate suspended, because of the repeated capacity breaches.
Both matters will be considered at a hearing in the Dunedin District Court on April 15.
