Changes to new liquor licensing laws which took effect eight months ago are being tested with the licence renewal application of a Napier bar and restaurant marketed as the No1 Nightspot in Hawke's Bay.
The application by The Thirsty Whale Bar and Restaurant, operated by Napier City councillor and former detective Keith Price, opposed by police and a neighbouring bar operator, has been referred to the national Alcohol Regulatory Licensing Authority by the council-based Napier District Licensing Committee (formerly Agency), to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Like other bars, the Thirsty Whale has been able to operate under its old licence issued under the Sale of Liquor Act, which was replaced by the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act on December 18 last year, just before The Thirsty Whale marked 10 years on West Quay, Ahuriri.
An authority spokesperson said no set dates were yet pending for Hawke's Bay liquor licensing matters. A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said the authority does not confirm details of applications for contested licence renewals until such time as a hearing is publicly notified, and so is unable to divulge specifics.
Council regulatory services manager Mike Webster is unable to comment while the matter is before the authority.