On the old television series Cheers, closing time came with a bit of theme music, but in Wellington North the matter of closing times of bars at licenced events drew a round of discussion.
Wellington North’s recreation committee recently reviewed the alcohol policy applied to the use of municipal facilities and agreed to an amendment which would have seen bars be required to close at 12:45am instead of 1am.
Other recommendations included limiting the number of minors at stag and doe events to eight, unless special permission was granted.
Mayor Mike Broomhead asked what instigated the move to close the bars earlier.
Recreation chairman Bob Mason said that committee member Doug McLelland made note that the 15 minutes made a big difference in getting people out of the facilities on time following an event.
“Closing time is a bit earlier,” Mason said.
However, councillor John Matusinec questioned the need to place the restriction within the alcohol policy.
He said bartenders have the right to close the bar whenever they feel it is warranted.
Although it may appear small, Broomhead said another factor which needed to be considered was whether or not it was enforceable.
If someone was to keep the bar open longer, Broomhead asked how the policy could be enforced. Mason said the requirement is part of the contract signed prior to rental.
Councillor Dan Yake asked if there were problems as is. He said most people serving now have their Smart Serve credentials and are well aware of the issues at that time of night.
“It’s not like people are going up and getting 10 drinks at 12:45am. I’m not sure it would make much of a difference,” he said.
The recommendation to change the closing time was defeated.
