Betts, re [2002] NZLLA 89 (8 March 2002)

Last Updated: 20 February 2010

Decision No. PH 89/2002

IN THE MATTER of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989

AND

IN THE MATTER of an application by ANDREW BETTS pursuant to s118 of the Act for a General Manager's Certificate

BEFORE THE LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY

Chairman: District Court Judge E W Unwin
Member: Mr J C Crookston

HEARING at WELLINGTON on 26 February 2002

APPEARANCES

No appearance by or on behalf of applicant
Mr R S Putze – Wellington District Licensing Agency Inspector – in opposition
Senior Sergeant G D Logan – NZ Police – to assist

ORAL DECISION OF THE AUTHORITY

[1] On 21 September 1999 the applicant, Andrew Betts, applied for a General Manager's Certificate.

[2] At that time he was employed at 'The Grand' in Courtenay Place, Wellington. He commenced employment there in March 1998. He had worked his way up to being one of the most invaluable members of the staff. The Manager of 'The Grand' endorsed the application.

[3] In his application Mr Betts confirmed that he had booked a course at DA Richards and Associates, but there has been no confirmation either that Mr Betts attended the course, or graduated from it.

[4] Mr Betts arranged an appointment with the District Licensing Agency Inspector but he failed to keep it. He was subsequently contacted. He advised the Agency that he was going overseas and that he would contact the Agency on his return. No such contact has been made and no interview has taken place.

[5] It is clear that even if an applicant graduates from a Sale of Liquor training course they will not necessarily acquire enough knowledge of the Act, for them to be granted a Certificate.

[6] In any event, as things stand, Mr Betts has not appeared today. In view of the time that has elapsed since the application was filed, his failure to attend for an interview, the lack of any confirmation that Mr Betts is currently employed within the hospitality industry, and lack of confirmation that he attended and graduated from the DA Richards course, we can do none other than refuse the application. It is accordingly refused.

DATED at WELLINGTON this 8th day of March 2002

Judge E W Unwin Mr J C Crookston
Chairman Member

abetts.doc (nr)