Popular Wairarapa pub dry while trapped in licensing limbo
The new operators of the Castlepoint Hotel in Wairarapa are struggling to reopen the pub due to persistent bureaucratic delays from the local council. Despite meeting requirements, the owners face ongoing administrative hurdles that have kept the establishment dry for months.
Why it matters
This highlights the impact of local government red tape on small business viability and community hospitality services.
<p>The battle to get beer flowing again at a historic coastal Wairarapa pub has been stalled by a wall of bureaucratic red tape.</p> <p><b>By Emily Ireland of Local Democracy Reporting </b></p> <p>Amanda Aitken and Celeste Blakesley, who took over the lease of the Castlepoint Hotel — The Whakataki in March, say they are being endlessly delayed by administrative hurdles in their bid to secure on- and off-licences for the pub.</p> <p>The pub had been dry since the start of the year, after losing its licences under previous operators due to repeated breaches of alcohol regulations.</p> <p>In a meeting with Masterton District Council, Aitken, the principal of Tinui School, and Blakesley, a former health board administrator, said they were told their liquor licence application would be dealt with in a "clean slate" manner.</p> <p>"The council indicated we should not experience any impact due to the previous operators' actions, then immediately asked…
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