Pelican Waters pub gets licence extension
THERE'S a stoush brewing in Pelican Waters.
The Pelican Waters Tavern recently had its trading hours extension granted on January 5, enabling the ALH Group-owned venue to trade until 3am, seven days a week, with its gaming hours also approved to run until 3.30am every day.
The decision has left a number of nearby residents dumbfounded as to why the venue would need to open into the wee hours of the morning, given the demographic of the community.
In letters forwarded to the Daily, an Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation officer explains that there were no objections to the extension from the police or OLGR Maroochydore office.
It continued, stating that the applicant had made attempts to satisfy objections put forward by the Sunshine Coast Council and that the concerns of objectors were based on "anticipated consequences" rather than existing issues.
The provision of a courtesy bus and security surveillance was also expected to help with issues about patron dispersal, the OLGR letter reads.
While an ALH Group representative was unable to provide responses to questions posed on Monday, a number of residents expressed their dismay at the decision to grant the extension.
"We think it's appalling," one elderly resident said.
Stu Riley, who lives across the water from the tavern, said he couldn't understand the decision.
"3am, seven days a week - it's just crazy," he said.
"The rest of the state is struggling with alcohol-fuelled violence."
Member for Caloundra Mark McArdle also criticised the decision, arguing there was no guarantee of control over patrons once they were outside.
Caloundra Police officer in charge Senior Sergeant Gavin Ricketts said most venues secured the extension but rarely put it into effect.
He noted there'd been no issues to-date at the tavern, but if there was, police could report the venue to the OLGR and noted proactive policing would be employed if the venue did open until 3am.
An OLGR spokeswoman explained that until new legislation was implemented the body was required to process applications as-usual and the licensee had worked to reduce impacts of the extension on the community.
Golden Beach Progress Association president Malcolm 'Mick' Graham said personally he believed it was a backward step with wide-sweeping change needed in the approach to liquor management nationwide.
Source: The Sunshine Coast Daily, Scott Sawyer, 28th January 2016
