The tavern was the subject of a liquor licence hearing in Alexandra late last month. The hearing panel was made up of Bob McNeil (chairman), Cr Neil Gillespie and Michael MacAvoy.
The medical officer of health opposed the renewal of the liquor licence, saying the tavern did not have robust systems around many issues and did not meet the standards to have a licence renewal for another three years.
At the hearing, medical officer of health representative Stephanie Bekhuis-Pay said the tavern did not have signage about minors, levels of intoxication or manager certificates, had no evidence of staff training, was holding functions in what was a non-licence area in the tavern, held inappropriate promotions and did not address disorderly behaviour issues.
She said the job of the publican was to be the one running the pub, not the patrons.
Police did not oppose the renewal of the licence.
Publican Angela Stockdale in her closing submission, which was delivered a couple of days following the formal hearing, said she accepted during the hearing the Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand review found evidence of non-compliance.
"However, I submit that those instances of non-compliance were not gross, flagrant or repeated. They were also rectified," she said in her submission.
"I was also not prosecuted for any breaches and have never been prosecuted for any breaches of the regulations which allow me to operate a business which sells alcohol. I submit that if the breaches had been determined to be gross, flagrant, or repeat, I would have been prosecuted."
She said she could live with a 12-month renewal period — less than the usual three years.
In its decision, the panel said Ms Stockdale agreed she had wrongly sold alcohol in a half-price promotion.
Her explanation was that the breach was not done with malice and she said she had learned from the experience, the panel said.
"We do wonder, however, from her evidence, as she gave us the impression any compliance will be done grudgingly. Having said that, our assessment of Ms Stockdale is such that we would be surprised if she were to reoffend in this manner," the panel wrote in its decision.
"We believe that on their own, each breach of the Act committed by the applicant would have warranted a review as to whether the licence holder was a fit and proper person to hold a liquor licence, especially as these breaches all occurred within the first 12 months of the licence being in effect. We do note that no breaches include matters of intoxicated patrons or minors being served alcohol.
"However, we believe the cumulative effect of the numerous breaches indicate a pattern of non-compliance with the Act. This suggests to us that the applicant is experiencing difficulties in managing the premises in accordance with her licence and the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012."
It said Ms Stockdale in the future had to be aware health authorities could turn up at anytime, she should co-operate with them, keep detailed records and train staff accordingly.
It gave a 12-month licence period and made no other order.
Ms Stockdale could not be contacted yesterday.
