The Green Island Rugby Club’s liquor licence renewal is in doubt after the police have expressed concern over past practices.
A district licensing committee hearing will take place tomorrow, as the club seeks to change its Saturday opening time from the present 2pm to noon.
The club also wants to extend its licensed area to take in a small outside courtyard space.
Neither the medical officer of health nor the licensing inspector have opposed the application. However, the police have submitted an opposition report.
‘‘The event was a fundraiser for a local high school and, although it was rugby related, it was not associated with the club. The school was using the premises as a venue.
‘‘When the event was brought to the attention of council, the club spokesman said they had been told by a former licensing inspector that a special licence was not required if it was rugby related. This advice was wrong and the club is now aware of the requirements for special licences.’’
The police report opposing the application outlined a range of concerns.
‘‘This premises has not been immune to alcohol harm and was placed on a formal warning by police for allowing alcohol to be carried and consumed outside of the licence area in June 2023.’’
Although the club submitted a risk mitigation action plan in response, the police report noted ‘‘inquiries have revealed this premises to be located within an area of high deprivation and at high risk of alcohol harm’’ and ‘‘police will submit the object of the Act can not be met with the licence as it presently sits’’.
Alcohol harm prevention officer Sergeant Steve Jones submitted it was clear there was a lack of knowledge about the Sale and Supply of Liquor Act and there was no evidence of ongoing training with bar staff and duty managers, ‘‘thus greatly increasing the risk of alcohol-related harm occurring at the premises’’.
It also expressed concern about club members leaving the clubrooms while holding beer bottles, thereby breaching the rules of the licence.
‘‘It has become clear [the club] does not have sufficient systems in place and are not being supported to enable the club to operate to their obligations under the Act.
‘‘Police inquiries have revealed special licence applications continually submitted late and unlawful events at the premises that have taken place without a special licence being issued.’’
In its renewal application, the club submitted it ‘‘promotes the safety, health and wellbeing of all members and any misuse of alcohol is seen as a threat to our club and its reputation’’.
‘‘As a club, we will strive towards being aware of any local alcohol laws as well as keeping up to date with the current Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.
‘‘Club members will be held accountable for any behaviour which damages our club and this policy. Any incidents can be referred to appropriate officials for suitable disciplinary action in relation to any violation of the law and this policy.’’
