A MOVE to allow alcohol service outside of the newly-opened Commercial Boutique Hotel has sparked debate with one publican claiming it has opened a damaging can of worms.
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Under new street vending policies implemented by Tenterfield Shire Council, licensed premises have the right to apply to serve alcohol in an al fresco setting.
Tenterfield Liquor Accord member and Telegraph Hotel manager Scott Shearer said council’s choice to greenlight the plan was “underhanded”.
“We knew nothing about it – it was done underhandedly,” he said.
“It’s made our liquor accord null and void.”
Liquor Accord chair Michael Jones backed Mr Shearer saying the new rules were news to them.
Mr Shearer said the Telegraph and other venues in town had suffered substantial fines in the past for people drinking in alcohol free zones and said council could be held liable for any ramifications that came from the move.
Part owner of the Commercial, Justin Sibley, said they had simply followed council’s lead and wanted to enhance their diner’s main street experience.
“We are delighted with the effort's council has made to gentrify the street, to both enhance it visually, and to make it safer and more comfortable for pedestrians to enjoy the main street.
“Our service of food and alcohol on the footpath has been approved by the NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing (OLGR) and by the council under its new street side vending policy, and we believe that the fact patrons can enjoy the space in this way is a great thing for the town,” Mr Sibley said.
Council has defended their position saying they aren’t in charge of approving alcohol service but wanted to continue their business friendly model.
“Council is not the regulatory authority for liquor licensing and therefore plays no part in the issue of approvals to serve alcohol,” council general manager Lotta Jackson said.
“Council does however concur with al fresco dining and footpath use, as this directly ties in to council being small business friendly and the outcomes for the revitalisation of the main street and creation of a more friendly and appealing public space within town.
Ms Jackson said other businesses would be able to apply for footpath applications should they wish to.
New England Local Area Command Licensing Officer Chris Borger will be in town over the next two weeks to assess the issue.
