Early closing plan falls flat in suburbs

Denise Williams says it will be like the six o'clock swill. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

Publicans in suburban Auckland reckon the city council should leave the running of neighbourhood bars to the locals.

There's a difference between suburban bars and inner-city boozers, says Jason Breen, managing director of Remuera's Villager restaurant and bar.

Local bars responded to the patrons' needs, which meant they needed flexibility.

"It's almost like a whole bunch of people who don't understand the hospitality industry have put the idea together."

He says neighbourhood bars tend to be self-policing, so there is no need for the council plans to force them to close by 11pm - midnight with a special licence - or employ security staff.

Such a requirement could force Mr Breen - whose bar has a 1am licence - to employ a bouncer for about 16 hours a week.

"It's one of the stupidest things I have ever heard of the council doing ... and they have done some stupid stuff."

Denise Williams - who owns the Crown Hotel in Pt Chevalier - has been in hospitality 30 years.

She believes 11pm closing will create a drinking atmosphere similar to the infamous six o'clock swill.

"We are really a local bar, and I run it well. I just think, what a joke."

The licensing proposal could also curtail a lucrative sideline in private functions, as they often tend to run late, she says.

Londoner Jay Honey is spending his OE behind the bar at Oscar's on Dominion Rd, and is no fan of the security requirements.

He said Oscars had a local clientele and little bother. "If there's any trouble here, we all just jump in."

Oscar's and the Crown have 3am licences, but are seldom open that late.

But they say it is nice to have the choice - particularly if there is a game on, and the locals are watching it on the big screen.

"As a barman, you know everyone, and you don't mind staying," Mr Honey says.

The new laws could put a dent in business for Gee Gee's owner Anthony Rudez, whose family has owned the Epsom bar and brasserie - which can open to 3am - for 17 years.

People drop in from nearby Alexandra Park at all hours, and he wants to be able to feed them.

"For us, it's stupid. Friday and Saturday night are always going to be busy."