Two Lakes District licensed premises were yesterday given a second chance rather than have their liquor licences suspended, while previous duty managers at both places were sanctioned.
In separate, but similar cases, Red Rock in Wanaka and the Willows Tavern in Arrowtown both faced applications for suspension of their liquor licences at a public hearing by the Liquor Licensing Authority in Queenstown yesterday.
Judge E. W. Unwin gave both premises six months to comply with the legislation without further incidents.
"If the company `passes the test', the application for suspension of licence will be withdrawn," Judge Unwin told each of the companies.
In both cases, Judge Unwin was more strict in regards to general managers' certificates for previous duty managers.
Christopher Ridding was a duty manager at the Red Rock bar in Wanaka until late March 2009.
Referring to an incident at 2.25am on March 8, Sergeant Keith Newell, of Queenstown, had filed an application to have Mr Ridding's general manager's certificate cancelled.
Sgt Newell quoted a statement by Constable Michael Johnstone, of Wanaka, alleging a patron had been served alcohol at the premises while intoxicated.
The statement indicated Mr Ridding blamed a lack of staff for the incident.
Red Rock Wanaka director Shaun Colbourne told the judge there was no shortage of staff, and that Mr Ridding did not note the incident in the staff logbook.
Three weeks after the incident, Mr Ridding was dismissed from his job.
Mr Colbourne said the dismissal related to stock discrepancies.
It is unclear whether Mr Ridding still works in the industry, as the authorities have been unable to contact him about the hearing.
Judge Unwin cancelled Mr Ridding's certificate.
In a similar case, Ricky John Schultz had worked as duty manager at the Willows Tavern on a temporary manager's licence, while his application for a general manager's certificate was pending.
Sgt Newell had filed for this application to be declined after incidents where intoxicated people had allegedly been served at the premises.
Sgt Newell said Mr Schultz's reaction had been "aggressive and confrontational" on several occasions.
After a meeting between police, liquor licensing authorities, Mr Schultz and Willows owner Celia Walker, the relationship between Mr Schultz and his employer deteriorated.
Mr Shultz was dismissed in October and issued with a restraining order not to enter the premises.
"I have no hesitation to deny his application for a general manager's certificate," Judge Unwin said.
Mr Schultz has since returned to his native Australia, and did not appear at the hearing.
