Police are attempting to temporarily suspend the license of local Wānaka bar Lalaland after repeated instances of intoxication and fighting amongst patrons. The matter was heard before the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) in Queenstown on Friday where both parties argued their case. 

Daniel Taiaroa has owned Lalaland for 18 months, and previously had the license of his Queenstown bar, Bungalow (formally Skybar), suspended for 72 hours back in 2014 for similar issues. However, he said, “both instances we took over venues that had a particularly loose reputation, but I think in both cases we have made positive steps to turn them around.” Lalaland is being investigated surrounding four incidents of intoxication in the past two years. Taiaroa said, “I understand that the Police don't want to be called into bars to deal with violence and intoxication, who would? But I think that the incidents that were presented in our hearing were handled professionally by our staff.” 

All Lalaland staff have attended drink safe workshops put on by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and the Licence Controller Qualification course which involves around dealing with intoxication. Despite speaking out with criticisms of local police enforcement to other media publications, Taiaroa says that: “We had a positive chat with Wānaka Police after the hearing last Friday and it is encouraging that they are keen to collaborate with us moving forward.” According to Queenstown Lakes Area Commander Inspector Olaf Jensen, “Police work with all bars in Otago Lakes to ensure the safety of patrons and staff.” Both Taiaroa and Police await ARLA’s decision.