Bar under sexual assault cloud waits for licence hearing

Photo: Istock
Photo: Istock
A Colombo St bar at the centre of an alleged drugging and sexual assault investigation is awaiting a hearing to have its alcohol licence renewed.

A city council spokesman said a renewal application in relation to the on-licence held by Mama Hooch Ltd is currently with the district licensing committee awaiting a hearing.

Mama Hooch’s counsel has filed a request for an adjournment of the hearing. The committee is expected to hear this preliminary matter next month.

Four men, aged 36, 25, 33 and 34, all with interim name suppression, are facing a raft of charges after police investigated more than 27 complaints from patrons who claimed their drinks had been spiked at the bar.

Some of the women allege they were taken elsewhere in the city and sexually assaulted.

All four men have denied the charges and elected trial by jury. Case review hearings will be held in November.