Pub concerts for under-18s

Boyd Thwaites wants to run afternoon concerts for teenagers in his Masonic Tavern. Picture / Paul Estcourt

Boyd Thwaites wants teenagers to enjoy the bands playing in his Devonport tavern - without breaking licensing laws.

The publican is applying to the North Shore District Licensing Agency for permission to let 13- to 18-year-olds attend Saturday afternoon concerts in the Masonic Tavern's top-floor bar.

No alcohol would be served and admission would be restricted to those with student IDs proving they were under 18, said Mr Thwaites.

"We do a lot of original Kiwi music covers here and a lot of under-agers try to get in, so I'm trying to go down a different road.

"It's a time of the day when parents don't mind their kids being out and can pick them up afterwards. Daytime makes it easier to police whoever is trying to come in intoxicated or on drugs, and to watch for anything happening outside."

Mr Thwaites said he saw the proposal from two sides: as a musician he wanted to share good music and as a father of two teenagers he was committed to giving them a safe environment in which to enjoy themselves.

His proposal for monthly concerts from 3pm to 6pm in winter is backed by Takapuna police liquor licensing officer Constable Bryce Law.

He said the North Shore had two nightclub-style premises that were popular with the 18-25 age bracket.

"But you often find minors in there sporting somebody's driver's licence to show they are 18."

Those caught faced a $200 instant fine, and the Takapuna team policing unit also stung them again by sending them to court for false representation.

"A lot who get caught have not actually been drinking - they appear to go there for the music and the company of older mates," said Mr Law.

Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council chief executive Mike MacAvoy said bar management and staff would need to be vigilant to ensure that when the concert ended and the bar resumed selling alcohol, minors did not remain.

The Masonic Tavern has been a feature of the Devonport waterfront since 1866 and is one of the country's oldest taverns.