The district licensing committee’s decision, released late last month, granted a licence to DropKicks bar on the top floor of the former Captain Cook Tavern.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) opposed the application, citing concern about the pre-announcement of the opening of the venue ahead of resolution of the issue of an alcohol licence and describing the venue’s location as an area of high deprivation and alcohol harm.
However, the decision said the location should not be an issue.
"There are only two other nearby on-licences, both more food-focused.
"The committee does not believe the amenity and good order of the area is already so badly affected that the issue of this licence is undesirable."
It also dismissed claims that SSDP members had been assaulted for their opposition as "hearsay" and "without evidence".
"The committee heard about the applicant’s disrespect of the Act, due process, and their attempts to silence community voices.
"No evidence was presented that indicated the applicant was not complying with their obligations pursuant to the legislation and, from what we understand, they have been receptive to suggestions from the agencies."
The decision said DropKicks would "not be promoting alcohol, but the acts playing at the venue". Bede Crestani — the father of University of Otago student Sophia Crestani, who died at a Dunedin flat party in 2019 — also appeared in opposition.
Mr Crestani later told the committee he would not necessarily oppose the licence provided he could see evidence of good planning and management of the premises.
When asked if he thought an on-licence venue was a safer environment to encourage people to come together, Mr Crestani said that with proper management plans, security and a competent management team checking alcohol levels in patrons, an on-licence was preferable to off-licence premises.
In its decision, the committee thanked Mr Crestani for his interest in the application.
"The concerns expressed by him in his objection have been discussed by the applicant and we are satisfied that they do take their business seriously and have appropriate management systems in place to mitigate the concerns raised."
DropKicks owner-operator Mili Oxley Lobo did not respond to requests for comment.
However, during the committee hearing, she said they wanted to establish a safe and supportive space for people to enjoy live music performed by local musicians.
She said there was a movement in Dunedin to revitalise the live music scene and the venue was an opportunity to re-establish the former live entertainment venue for the North Dunedin area.
The venue will hold up to 250 people, although Fire and Emergency New Zealand has said it had the potential to safely hold up to 500 people.
A one-way door shall apply from 2.30am.
