The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union is making a bid for a liquor licence which could overcome some of the issues surrounding event-by-event special licences, which have been required for major matches at McLean Park in Napier.
The application by union-owned company Eastern Sport to the Napier District Licensing Agency seeks an on-licence, enabling liquor to be sold at the park any day of the week between 8am and 1am, although it is only intended to be used for rugby events such as matches and functions. It was first publicly notified on July 10, with any person entitled to object required to do so by tomorrow. It is understood no objections have yet been lodged.
Union sponsorship manager Dan Somerville said it did not change anything from a user point of view, but was designed to make the operation "more professional" and alleviate some of the costly technical obstacles involved with applying for event-by-event special licences. With 20 days or more needed, there have been difficulties applying for licences for events which may or may not happen.
The union said in its application that sales at the ground would take place under the same conditions as had been required in special licences, including security and booth staff measures to block sales to minors or intoxicated fans.
Mr Somerville said there was a trend towards the stadium-wide type of licence being sought, with licences in place at Eden Park and Mt Smart in Auckland among those issued throughout the country.
