Operator's liquor licence refusal a 'kick in the teeth'

Getapartybus is applying for a licence. Photo / Supplied

A party bus operator has had his liquor licence refused in what may be a precedent-setting decision by the Liquor Licensing Authority.

The authority refused to grant the Texas Party Bus' application because the proposal encouraged, rather than reduced, liquor abuse.

Texas Party Bus owner Raajew Singh said the ruling was a "kick in the teeth"and would do more harm than good.

Christchurch district licensing agency inspector Martin Ferguson submitted that, although Singh was one of the better operators, party bus patrons usually pre-loaded with drinks before pub crawls, were encouraged to drink on the bus between bars and were tempted to finish their drinks quickly once a hooter sounded at the bar, telling them to leave.

But Singh said if the bus had an on-licence, he would be able to control the drinking of the patrons.

Without one, they tended to sneak spirits on to the bus and drink more than they usually would.

He said patrons got aggressive when told they could not drink on the bus.

Christchurch police Sergeant Al Lawn said the buses unlawfully encouraged drinking. "The whole way it's designed is promoting it."

Auckland's Getapartybus director Sharon Killen is applying for a second on-licence for a new bus and said she would be "gutted" if it was turned down because of the decision.