Wairarapa Bar Pours Pints Again

Key Takeaways

• The Castlepoint Hotel – the Whakataki has been granted permission to sell alcohol pending the outcome of its appeal next year
• The hotel lost its on and off licenses last month due to issues such as serving drunk customers and after-hours drinking
• The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority’s decision to allow alcohol sales has been welcomed by the licensee and the community
• The hotel is now preparing for the busy holiday period, including live entertainment on New Year’s Eve
• The appeal is expected to be heard within the next three to six months

Introduction to the Castlepoint Hotel’s Reprieve
The Castlepoint Hotel – the Whakataki, a popular Wairarapa coastal watering hole, has been given a reprieve and is now allowed to sell alcohol pending the outcome of its appeal next year. This decision comes after the hotel lost its on and off licenses last month due to a range of issues, including serving drunk customers and after-hours drinking. The Masterton District Council’s licensing committee had cited these problems as reasons for removing the hotel’s license, but the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority has since overturned this decision, allowing the hotel to continue selling alcohol until the appeal hearing.

The Hotel’s License Issues
The hotel’s license issues began when the Masterton District Council’s licensing committee removed its license due to a range of problems. These issues included serving drunk customers, an accident involving a teenage driver who was over the legal alcohol limit, inadequately trained staff, ‘lock-ins’ where alcohol would be served after hours, and an assault on a staff member. The committee’s decision was based on evidence that the hotel had failed to address these issues, despite previous warnings. However, the hotel’s owners, Fireballs Imports Ltd, opposed the decision, arguing that the evidence was either historic, exaggerated, or related to problems that had been addressed or were in the process of being rectified.

Community Response and Support
The decision to allow the hotel to sell alcohol again has been met with enthusiasm from the community. The hotel’s Facebook post announcing the decision received over 70 supportive comments and almost 300 likes, with many expressing their joy and relief at the news. The hotel’s owners have also expressed their gratitude for the community’s support, stating that they are "very appreciative of the outpouring of support from the local community" and look forward to being able to supply a much-needed service and location for the local area. The hotel’s team has been busy preparing for the busy holiday period, including planning live entertainment on New Year’s Eve.

Preparations for the Holiday Period
The hotel is now busy preparing for the holiday period, with a range of events planned, including live entertainment on New Year’s Eve. The hotel’s owners are expecting a busy period, and are grateful to have the opportunity to trade again. Jason Osborne, one of the directors of Fireballs Imports Ltd, stated that the hotel’s team has been "very understanding during the last couple of difficult weeks" and has been busy sprucing up the pub to provide an even more inviting environment. The hotel’s owners are committed to working constructively with the relevant agencies and to continuing improvements to their systems and practices.

The Appeal Process
The hotel’s appeal is expected to be heard within the next three to six months, although the exact date has not been set. The Masterton council spokesperson stated that if an appeal was lodged, the licensing authority would decide whether the applicant can continue to trade while the appeal was pending. The hotel’s owners are unsure when the appeal will be heard, but are preparing for the outcome. In the meantime, the hotel is focused on providing a safe and enjoyable environment for its customers, and is committed to addressing any issues that may arise.

Conclusion
The Castlepoint Hotel – the Whakataki’s reprieve is a welcome decision for the community, and the hotel’s owners are grateful for the opportunity to trade again. The hotel’s preparations for the holiday period are underway, and the team is looking forward to providing a safe and enjoyable environment for its customers. The appeal process is ongoing, but the hotel’s owners are committed to working constructively with the relevant agencies and to continuing improvements to their systems and practices. With the support of the community, the hotel is looking forward to a successful and enjoyable holiday period.