South Coast pub slammed for bar extension plans
A controversial proposal to extend the operating hours of a popular South Coast pub has drawn strong criticism from local police. The Huskisson Hotel's plan to keep its waterfront bar open until 1 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and midnight on other nights, has sparked concerns about increased anti-social behaviour and noise pollution.
The proposal is currently under review by the Shoalhaven Council. However, NSW Police have lodged a formal objection, with South Coast Police District licensing officer Angus McMillan expressing serious concerns.
"This proposal will lead to an increase in late-night patrons on the streets, many of whom will be intoxicated and have limited transportation options," McMillan said in a submission to the council.
He added that the extended hours would "undoubtedly result in increased noise disturbance for nearby residents."
Local residents have echoed these concerns, highlighting existing noise issues from the pub. Scott Davis, a long-time resident, said that he and his wife already contend with loud music from the hotel and fear that the extended hours would exacerbate the problem.
“The application to extend the hotel’s hours to allow live music until 1am on Friday and Saturday and midnight throughout the week would be extremely disruptive to our lives,” he said.
“We should be allowed to reside in our homes without being impacted by the continuous hammering sound every weekend.
“The sound makes it impossible to relax and sleep in our homes”.
According to Helen Crittle the pub was already being investigated for noise complaints.
“[The pub] has been in breach of their operating hours and playing of loud music since June last year, up until about 10 weeks ago when Liquor and Gaming stepped in and met with the hotel management stipulating they must close and cease music to comply with their development conditions,” she submitted.
NSW Police have confirmed that they are investigating complaints.
Currently, the waterfront bar and live music conclude at 11:30 PM, while the rest of the hotel remains open until 1 AM. Hotel owner Steve Bartlett explained that the proposal to extend the bar's hours aims to align the bar's closing time with the overall hotel closing time.
Bartlett also suggested that police opposition to the plan may be due to staffing shortages. He stated, "The police in the Shoalhaven are under a lot of pressure to provide support for the community 24/7."
Dismissing noise pollution claims as "an absolute lie," Bartlett emphasised the hotel's adherence to noise level regulations. He noted, "We have noise monitors that we've had to put in due to these complaints to make sure we're not too loud."
Bartlett assured that the hotel's eight security guards would maintain order. He also mentioned that the hotel receives negative online reviews from individuals who have been refused entry due to intoxication.
"We're aware of our obligations and work extremely hard to keep everyone happy and safe," Bartless said.
The Shoalhaven Council is scheduled to discuss the proposed operational changes on Tuesday.
Jonathan Jackson, 10th December 2024
