Bar closed for food breaches

A local business has had its liquor licence suspended for 24 hours after failing to meet the legal requirements over the availability of food.

The suspension came after an inter-agency operation to check if local liquor establishments were complying with food regulations.

Wairarapa police, Masterton District Licensing Agency and Wairarapa District Health Board have warned local bar owners to follow their legal obligations or face the consequences.

The Sale of Liquor Act requires premises to ensure a range of food is available at all times when open.

The inter-agency collaboration carried out the rare controlled purchase operation spot check during the weekend of April 6-7. Masterton District Council food compliance officer Kane Jacquiery said it was the start of a much more robust campaign to ensure that operators complied with their legal responsibilities.

During the controlled operation, volunteers checked that venues had menus visible and that food was actively promoted by staff.

Mr Jacquiery said that there was a new urgency which dictated that premises were monitored on an ongoing basis and he said the breach was being taken "extremely seriously".

He also issued strong non-compliance warnings to any premises which did not adequately adhere to the legislation.

"It is the first time such an operation has taken place in the Wairarapa," he said. "There has recently been a change in the legislation and central government have made it clear that they want it enforced rigorously, so there will be more spot checks taking place in the evenings."

Mr Jacquiery said the business proprietors found to have breached the Sale of Liquor Act had admitted the breach and agreed to a suspension. He said their liquor licence had been suspended for 24 hours, subject to ratification by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority.

"Intoxication is a major licensing issue and the availability of food and its consumption is one of the most effective ways to decrease intoxication levels."

Masterton Police alcohol harm reduction officer Constable Dean Fawcett said the old days of nothing more than chips and peanuts on offer behind the bar were over.

"Despite being provided many opportunities to comply, one venue has failed to provide food, which is very disappointing," he said.

"This is a serious breach, as providing food is key to preventing intoxication and more serious problems occurring."

Constable Fawcett said licensees needed to be taking a proactive approach to promoting their menu and ensuring a range of food is available.

"We'll be conducting future operations to ensure venues are complying with their responsibilities," he said.

Police are encouraging anyone with concerns about a venue to contact them, the District Licensing Agency or the Wairarapa DHB.