Four men, aged 19 and 20, and believed to be University of Otago students, were spoken to by police and will be referred to the university proctor, after entering a yard at the former Gardens Tavern, in North Dunedin, yesterday.
A neighbour said a group of noisy young people climbed over a wall into the former outside bar area for an apparent afternoon party. Police were called, and as some members of the group moved off towards Leith St, shortly after 2pm, a plastic wheelie bin filled with rubbish was knocked over.
Senior Sergeant Steve Aitken said they had been referred to the proctor, rather than being charged by police, because no damage had occurred.
The former Castle St tavern was closed last year, after the university bought it for $1.75 million to redevelop as a "study and social centre". It plans to redevelop the complex as a study centre - a library hub and cafe for students - in time for the 2013 year.
