A problem-plagued Dunedin bottle store owner is struggling to renew liquor licences because of her previous bad behaviour.
McCarthy Enterprises Ltd and Jethro Holdings Ltd, which is owned by shareholders Kenneth and Patricia McCarthy, applied for a liquor licence renewal for its Anderson’s Bay and Kaikorai Valley Bottle-Os.
But the applications were opposed by the chief licensing inspector and a Medical Officer of Health Delegate, primarily due to the applicant’s unsuitability.
Police also opposed the application for the Kaikorai Valley store.
Patricia McCarthy has been in hot water many times over the operation of her Dunedin liquor stores – including selling to underage customers and selling without a licence. Recently her company had to pay an employee $20,000 after their manager’s failings forced them to resign.
It was suggested that Mr and Mrs McCarthy be removed as shareholders and directors of the company, but at the time of the applications they still were.
The companies register still listed Mr and Mrs McCarthy as shareholders of the companies, but Corrina McCarthy was the sole director of both.
The application for renewal for the Kaikorai store was missing documents, which concerned the licensing inspector.
The Medical Officer of Health Delegate supported an earlier closing time for both stores.
‘‘By closing earlier, [the stores] would limit opportunities for alcohol consumption that contribute to higher risks of harm, thereby promoting a safer environment for the community,’’ it said.
Police also supported shorter hours for the Kaikorai store and highlighted Patricia McCarthy’s convictions.
The inspector made an unannounced visit to the Andersons Bay store, after which she opposed the licence renewal.
She noted the sign displayed wrongly referred to the Sale and Supply of Liquor Act 2012, and even once the store was alerted to this, they did not correct it.
The inspector also considered the applicant unsuitable in relation to both applications.
‘‘The previous failings of the applicant are in relation to not having appropriate staff, systems and training in place,’’ the inspector said.
She said there was ‘‘an overall lack of organisation and awareness’’ displayed by the company and noted the applicant had previously had other licences declined due to its unsuitability.
A hearing would be held on Monday to determine whether or not the licence will be renewed.