Overcrowding forces Dunedin District Licensing Committee to suspend license

Dunedin (Wednesday, 26 May 2016) – The Dunedin District Licensing Committee (DDLC) has suspended the liquor license of a central Dunedin bar for overcrowding.

The Fire Service was called to Suburbia in Lower Stuart Street following an emergency call following the activation of a fire alarm at the bar on Sunday 22 May and found around 300 people in the premises, which was well in excess of the capacity.

As a result the DDLC received an application from the Fire Service to suspend the license for overcrowding for the downstairs area of the premises.

The DDLC has stated in the past that it would not compromise when it came to the safety of people using licensed premises.

The Committee has ordered the immediate suspension of the on-license, for the premises, however as the matter relates to the downstairs area only, the upstairs area which operates as a café during the day, will remain open.

The licensee is aware that the maximum occupancy of the downstairs area is 160 people and should have made staff aware of this limit.

The DDLC has ordered the closure of the downstairs area effective immediately, until the matter is brought to a public hearing or alternatively that the Committee is advised by the Fire Service that they are satisfied that the maximum capacity will not be exceeded and that staff are fully aware of the requirements of the fire evacuation scheme of the premises.

ENDS

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