Bar on mat after opening for cup final

A Mosgiel bar has landed itself in hot water with police for opening for the Rugby World Cup final last year.

A case against Hotel Motel Taieri, which includes Nellies Bar and Grill, is to be heard by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority in Dunedin next month.

Alcohol harm prevention officer Sergeant Ian Paulin said Nellies Bar and Grill opened for the final, which started at 5am on November 1, without notifying authorities first. That meant it was breaching the opening hours allowed in its liquor licence, he said.

Police were yet to decide what punishment they would be seeking but in other parts of the country, bars that opened for the final without notifying authorities had licences suspended for 24 hours.

About 100 people were at the bar, which served breakfast to patrons, for the final.

Hotel Motel Taieri owner David Mercer said the issue came about due to a "clerical error''.

"Ultimately, the right people didn't receive the notice,'' Mr Mercer said.

He was unwilling to comment further before the hearing.

vaughan.elder@odt.co.nz

Add a Comment

 

Advertisement