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A brewery and performance venue on the Hibiscus Coast is closing its doors months after losing its liquor licence, with a major international retailer swooping in to purchase the building from local hands.
Zenice Gujarathi of Parāoa Brewing Co, a gastropub in Stanmore Bay, announced Monday the venue’s final dayof trading will be January 26.
Parāoa lost its ability to sell alcohol to customers in September when its on and off-licence renewal applications were declined by the District Licensing Committee (DLC) after nearby residents objected over noise from live bands and DJs.
Gujarathi opened the Whangaparāoa Rd establishment in July 2021 as a “social house” for Hibiscus Coast residents, bringing a brewery, restaurant and live events space under one roof.
He told the Herald the business had been struggling over the past two years and the DLC’s decision was “the last straw” for his flagship hospitality venture.
“It wasn’t necessarily the main factor, but it definitely added to the already troublesome business that we were in.”
Parāoa Brewing Co, at Whangapāraoa, lost its right to sell alcohol to customers and is now closing down. Photo / Google Maps
There was little money left to spend on the soundproofing required to obtain licence renewals, and Gujarathi said it seemed to be the “right time to close” with the property also changing ownership.
“I have tremendous respect for those who are working in the industry after spending five years in it,” Gujarathi said.
“It’s been a struggle of a year. Hopefully things change in the coming months.”
Chemist Warehouse Group has bought the Stanmore Bay building that housed Parāoa Brewing Co from local owners. Photo / Warren Buckland
He planned to finish January on a high, celebrating Parāoa’s final days before taking time off to focus on his health and plan his next steps.
“The community still loves it. Hopefully they’re going to support us over the next two weeks while we are open.”
The DLC’s September decision not to renew Parāoa’s licences was based on noise complaints from residents Richard and Vivan Field, who had repeatedly sought compliance with noise limits and spent $8000 to soundproof their own home.
Gujarathi said they had devised a staged plan to mitigate noise from the venue, but the DLC wasn’t satisfied by it.
“It is what it is. But, yes, we are out of it.”
Tom Rose is an Auckland-based journalist who covers breaking news, specialising in lifestyle, entertainment and travel. He joined the Herald in 2023.
