An application by the West Taieri Rugby Football Club for a special liquor licence was granted by Dunedin’s district licensing committee this week for the club’s 125th celebratory jubilee, held from today until Sunday.
It was initially opposed by the medical officer of health delegate and a licensing inspector, who raised concerns after a site visit last month.
This included reports of discarded beer bottles, a patron with wobbly balance and slurred speech attempting to leave with an alcoholic drink and "fresh vomit" found outside the club’s main entrance.
In its decision, committee secretary Kevin Mechen said it would not dwell on the matters identified during the visit.
Positive comments made by the police representative and the medical officer of health delegate regarding a meeting with the applicant had been welcomed.
The committee was satisfied with the matters before it and approved the application — on the condition of additional support from volunteers and oversight at both a marquee and in the clubrooms, Mr Mechen said.
Club co-president Craig Nichol said yesterday they were "very happy" to have been granted the special licence.
The 125th jubilee was a "big occasion", the celebrations not happening too often, and a lot of planning had gone into it.
"We’re looking forward to catching up with some of the previous members and life members and all the players from in the past."
The club had immediately sought to rectify the breaches once it was made aware of them, with a lot of the changes put in place before last week’s hearing.
Regardless of the application’s outcome, the jubilee would have gone ahead "no matter what" and a backup plan would have been organised, Mr Nichol said.
The licence and provision of alcohol from a marquee was a bonus.
"But, really, it was about the rugby and the getting together that was the main thing."
