Bar manager loses licence for drinking beer in New Zealand
By IANSThursday, January 27, 2011
WELLINGTON - A bar manager, who was caught drinking in a no-liquor zone, is to lose his licence for three weeks that too after having already pleading guilty and been fined $ 250.
The suspension of licence came after McLetchie was caught drinking a Heineken beer bottle at the corner of Harris and Victoria streets in Wellington last September.
Terewai Laurence Colyer McLetchie has not opposed the three-week suspension of his general manager’s certificate, effective from February 21, by the Liquor Licensing Authority, the Dominion Post reported Thursday.
Having initially stated a false name to police, McLetchie opted to reveal his identity after he was arrested and charged with breaching the liquor ban. He pleaded guilty and was fined.
The alcohol harm reduction officer at Wellington police, Sergeant John Lewis, then applied for the suspension of McLetchie’s manager’s certificate.
He said bar managers had to show they were “suitable” people, and able to drink responsibly. That included when the bar was closed, and they were not at work.
“It’s one of the few occupations where you’re expected to have a high standard of behaviour outside of your job … People responsible for that side of the liquor law need to be seen to be responsible 24 hours a day.”
McLetchie had accepted responsibility, and the suspension was voluntary, Lewis stated.
