Meyer [2012] NZLLA 657 (11 June 2012)

Last Updated: 17 July 2012

[2012] NZLLA 657

IN THE MATTER of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989

AND

IN THE MATTER of an application by RUSSELL PAUL MEYER pursuant to s.123 of the Act for renewal of a General Manager’s Certificate

BEFORE THE LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY

Quorum: Mr P M McHaffie
Ms J D Moorhead

DECISION

We have before us an application by Russell Paul Meyer for renewal of a General Manager’s Certificate.

The Police opposed the application because Mr Meyer has incurred several convictions over the years for liquor related traffic offences. These were initially brought to the attention of the Authority when the original certificate application was filed in 2007. However, because the offences were of some antiquity the Police eventually withdrew opposition to the grant of the certificate and it issued in 2008.

Since that time Mr Meyer has been convicted yet again for driving with excess breath alcohol in 2010. Mr Meyer unsuccessfully defended the charge and a conviction was eventually entered in October 2011. The certificate was suspended by decision [2012] NZLLA PH 498, dated 17 May 2012. The Police contention, with which the Authority concurs, is that Mr Meyer is no longer suitable to hold the certificate which he uses in conjunction with his charter vessel business.

We are advised that the business is on the market, so the Police have withdrawn their opposition on the basis that renewal will only be for one year and no further renewal will be sought following expiry of that renewal period.

We are satisfied as to the matters to which we must have regard in s.126 of the Act and we renew the certificate for 12 months until 24 April 2013. A notice of renewal is attached to this decision.

DATED at WELLINGTON this 11th day of June 2012

B M Holmes
Secretary

Russell Meyer2.doc(ab)