Posted by Marc Ulyatt
There has been a concentrated effort by many in the Omokoroa community to oppose the establishment of a tavern by KLM Ltd at 168 Omokoroa Road, adjacent to the Super Liquor store. KLM initially sought a liquor licence that would allow them to operate a sports bar that was open from early morning until 1.00am, seven days a week.
Members of the Omokoroa community got together to oppose the granting of an on-license for the tavern. The basis of the argument was that putting a tavern in the middle of an established residential area including a very high proportion of retired residents is not appropriate. This argument was made very strongly by the 19 residents who spoke at a hearing of the District Licencing Commission held late January.
By now most of you will know that our campaign to oppose the liquor licence has in large part succeeded. KLM have been granted a licence, but with very strict conditions. They can trade as a restaurant with restricted hours, but not as a tavern.
A lot of the credit for our success must go to Grant Hewison, a barrister who assisted us with tactics and appeared for us pro bono at the hearing. Grant spent a lot of time helping us. Geoff Annan and I have opened a Givealittle page and ask the community to consider making a contribution that shows Grant we appreciate the effort he made on our behalf.
To make a contribution you need to open the hyperlink below and when it opens click on the pink “Donate now” button and follow the instructions from there.
https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/legal-battle-opposing-establishment-of-tavern
If you have any inquiries please contact:
Marc Ulyatt (548 2474; marc.ulyatt@outlook.com)
Geoff Annan (0275825889; Geoff@annanlaw.nz)