Cook-a-thon an 'abomination'

Students line up for the Cook-a-Thon in this file photo.
Students line up for the Cook-a-Thon in this file photo.
The Captain Cook Tavern's Cook-a-thon was yesterday described as a "scandalous abomination" that had developed "legs of its own".

The comments were made by University of Otago director of student services David Richardson at a hearing of the Liquor Licensing Authority.

The university is objecting to the renewal of the on-licence held by the Dunedin tavern's licensee, Stab in the Dark Ltd.

Mr Richardson, leading the objections, blamed the Great King St student pub's thrice-yearly, mid-week Cook-a-thon event for encouraging "binge drinking" and fostering a "culture of intoxication".

He described it as an "unwelcome intrusion" into the university's teaching and research.

He produced graphs showing antisocial behaviour peaking at the time of the Cook-a-thon and a series of videos taken by Campus Watch staff showing young people in fancy dress staggering along footpaths and crossing State Highway 1, outside the Cook, against the lights.

He was concerned for the safety of students who weaved across the highway "in an inebriated state".

"I have never seen anything so horrific."

Mr Richardson considered "below the radar" social networking had given the event a life of its own.

"This is a very clever piece of marketing because it has developed its own legs."

University proctor Simon Thompson told the hearing some students began "champagne breakfasts" at home as early as 4am and then headed to the Cook to begin queuing at 6am, "leaving a trail of vomit and urine".

He acknowledged the mood of the day was non-aggressive.

It required the attention of eight staff and Mr Thompson put it in the same category as other problem events such as the Undie 500 and the Hyde St keg party.

Mr Richardson, when questioned by the applicant's lawyer, Trevor Shiels, said the university had not approached the hotel to discuss the problems.

Mr Shiels said the licensee had sought a meeting, but was told that while the university would attend, it would not say anything.

Mr Richardson: "This is the first I've heard of it."

Judge Bill Unwin asked Mr Richardson what he thought the licensee could do.

"How do you get out of something that has achieved a life of its own with a lot of consequences that were unintended."

Mr Richardson responded, later, that he did not feel he was a person "equipped to make those particular management decisions".

Stab in the Dark director Richard McLeod outlined the measures the company had taken to control the event and noted it had never been prosecuted in connection with it.

Mr McLeod said the company had worked closely with police and liquor licensing authorities, served only beer and wine, had changed the event's start time and had put in place Port-a-loos, rubbish bins and barriers for those queuing.

It employed security guards and provided transport for students wanting to go home.

He considered the event "a victim of its own success" and he was willing to work to minimise the impact of the event.

Questioned by Liquor Licensing Sergeant Wayne Pitcaithly, Mr McLeod agreed bar staff were paid commission for reaching revenue targets.

At one point during the hearing, Mr Shiels questioned Mr Richardson about the motives of the university, noting that it had bought the nearby Bowling Green Hotel, which was now used for another purpose.

Mr Shiel: "Is that something you have in mind for the Cook?"Mr Richardson: "Absolutely not."

Judge Unwin suggested to Mr Shiel that he did not need to pursue a line of questioning "that the university has some secret agenda".

He said a decision would be released within 30 days and "definitely before October" when the next Cook-a-thon is due.

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