Squash club licence debate tomorrow

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 479, 30 March 1993, Page 1

Squash club licence debate tomorrow

A battle over a beer after a game of squash has been brewing since last year, and the matter is to reach a head this Wednesday, when an application for a resource consent to operate a liquor licence from the Ohakune Squash Rackets Club is to be considered at the council offices in Miro Street Forty four submissions in support of the application have been received and 14 in opposition. Of those in support, 10 people wish to be heard at the hearing, while 10 people who oppose the- submission wish to be heard. In November the club applied for a Club Licence, with times being: Monday-Thursday,

4.00pm-1.00am, Friday 4.00pm - 2.00am, Saturday 10.00am-2.00am, Sunday 10.00am -12 midnight. Because the courts, situated in front of the Community Gymnasium on the grounds of the Ruapehu College in Tainui Street, are zoned Residential B, the club had to obtain a resource consent. The resource consent is separate to the liquor licensing process under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 and does not cover the existence of the squash courts," said the chief planner Jeff Page. "These are separate issues." For Submissions supporting the resource consent

included the following points: • Eleven indicated they considered the Squash Courts to be a community asset. • Four said the sale of liquor was an essential part of Ohakune Squash Rackets Club Inc. • Three said conditions attached to the licence were sufficient to control adverse effects. • Three said a licence would have minimal adverse effects. • Three considered the Squash Club to be a school asset. • One said the licence would not attract unTurn to page 2

Squash club hearing

From page 1 ruly behaviour. • Two said similar set-ups in New Zealand worked well. • One said the Council had assured the club that the sale of liquor would be allowed. • Two supported the application, but felt the proposed hours were too long. • Thirty four gave no reason for their support of the application. Against Submissions opposing the application included these points: • Four said there was a lack of parking. • One said the licence was not necessary. • Two said the licence would increase insurance premiums. • Three referred to a possible increase in crime. • Three referred to a possible decrease in property values. • Six cited a possible increase in traffic. • Three said there were already sufficient liquor outlets in Ohakune. • Three said it would adversely affect the youth of the community. • Four said the licence was inappropriate on school property.

• Seven said the licence will affect the ability of car drivers and road safety. • Five said it would adversely affect the amenity of Tainui Street. • Three said the consent should not be allowed because the courts were out of zone. • Seven opposed on the grounds of increased noise. • Three said liquor should not be associated with sport. • Two said the consent should not be granted because of the bias of the information provided by the applicant. • One said the hours in the application were excessive. Planner's comments In his report to the council, prepared to help them in their consideration of the application and the submissions, the town planner made the following comments: • The existing car parking at the rear of the gymnasium is ample to accommodate the zoning requirement that "one car space per 10 members, spectators or participants shall be provided." • A club licence is restrictive in who may purchase alcohol from the Squash Club so significant increased traffic would be unlikely.

However he recommended that if consent is given, a condition of approval be attached that would limit the consent to the applying for a Club Licence. • The proposed sale of liquor would not "substantially change" the development pattem of Tainui Street which is partly rural, partly residential and partly college grounds, so the amenity values of the street would not be affected. • Noise effects would be minor if: no parking were permitted by club members adjacent to the courts and Tainui Street; and the driveway adjacent to the courts and gymnasium were sealed. • The hours (as stated in the application) would have the effect of extending into the early hours any adverse effects associated with the sale of liquor. Any effect takes on a greater significance in the early hours of the morning for social and health reasons, and council has a duty to mitigate these effects. He said if the consent was granted the following hours may be more appropriate: Monday -Thursday 4.00pm - 12.00pm, Friday 4.00pm - 1.00am the following day. Saturday 10.00am - 1.00am the following day. Sunday 10.00am - 10.00pm.