Bar hit by plague of mishaps

Attempts to open a temporary bar at the Lake Waihola Tavern, badly damaged by fire on October 28, have been delayed by a series of accidents and the discovery of asbestos.

Kevin and Annette Reid say it is unlikely the temporary bar will be operating until early January.

Delays were caused by the quantity surveyor crashing his motorcycle and the structural engineer being hospitalised by an insect bite, Mrs Reid said.

"He was actually doing the plans for Waihola from his hospital bed."

A minor flood was triggered when a ball-cock jammed in the tavern's urinal.

"The builders arrived and found about four inches of water covering the floor," Mr Reid said.

Another delay came when builders began knocking down the ceiling of the conservatory and uncovered asbestos.

"It's probably set us back a day and a-half," Mrs Reid said.

"It was only in that area, but all the proper precautions were taken."

Mr Reid said the official cause of the fire was accidental electrical.

"The fire service thought it was the fly zapper, and the corporate investigation guys were looking at a freezer, but because of the damage it is hard to tell."

The final cost of rebuilding is expected to be between $1.5 million and $2 million.

The Reid family have a joint insurance package with the Clutha Licensing Trust, which is helping cover the costs.

"Our key staff are still on full pay. We had a pretty comprehensive insurance policy," Mr Reid said.

The displaced locals have been patronising the bowling club on Friday nights while they are waiting for the tavern to open, Mrs Reid said.

The Reid family is hoping to have the full bar and restaurant open again in May.

rachel.taylor@odt.co.nz