An on-licence and off-licence renewal application for the St Kilda Tavern, in South Dunedin, has been opposed by police, the medical officer of health and a licensing inspector.
The premises were first opened in 1873, had been continuously licensed since opening as a hotel and had been a tavern since 1970, a report to Dunedin’s district licensing committee said.
In his report, medical officer of health delegate Aaron Whipp said the applicant company’s sole director, Darshpreet Singh, lived in Auckland and managed premises in Auckland, Levin and Upper Hutt in addition to the proposed Dunedin site — all conducted under different companies.
Mr Singh intended to be in Dunedin for four days every second or third week of the month, but his proposal to have a limited presence at the site raised “significant concerns” about his ability to consistently uphold the objectives of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, Mr Whipp said.
“The irregular presence of the applicant does not inspire confidence in the day-to-day management of the premises in an acutely vulnerable community.
“In fact, this only creates the potential for serious gaps in oversight and compliance.”
St Kilda Tavern was situated within a community identified as “high-deprivation” which was often disproportionately affected by alcohol-related harm, including higher rates of health issues, crime and family violence, he said.
Alcohol harm prevention officer Sergeant Steve Jones, of Dunedin, said in his report Mr Singh owned a number of premises under different companies, and the St Kilda Tavern was his first venture into the South Island.
Sgt Jones raised questions about the relationship between Mr Singh and the former owner of the St Kilda Tavern.
Despite initially stating he did not really know the previous owner, Mr Singh had, when questioned, said he was a friend, Sgt Jones said.
“Furthermore, police have evidence of a GST number linked to [the previous owner] still being used at the premises for all purchases relating to the sale and supply of alcohol from the St Kilda Tavern.
“[The previous owner’s] involvement in the business is concerning and still unclear.”
The applicant was asked for documentation relating to sale and purchase of the business, employment records and staff training and management records, but he had failed to provide these to the agencies, Sgt Jones said.
Dunedin City Council chief licensing inspector Tanya Morrison said in her report most of Mr Singh’s businesses were purchased in cash from personal funds, including money from a business partner, within approximately a year.
It was unusual, “though not necessarily unlawful in any way”, to acquire multiple licensed venues by cash only in such a short period of time, but she had concerns about the applicant’s suitability because of this.
Ms Morrison said she believed the committee would benefit from hearing from the applicant directly regarding the concerns raised.
Mr Singh declined to comment when contacted.
A hearing is scheduled for February 27.
