Conditional Licence Approved for New Cloverlea Tavern Site

The operators of the Cloverlea Tavern have received conditional approval for a renewed alcohol licence, contingent upon the construction of a new premises. The original tavern was destroyed by fire in February 2024, leaving the site at the intersection of Tremaine Ave and Gillespies Line vacant.

DR Hospitality submitted a licence renewal application in July 2023, seeking assurance from the District Licensing Committee that a licence could be granted before committing to a long-term lease with the prospective owners of the new building. The committee convened in November to review the application, and its recent decision indicates no opposition to the future granting of the on-licence.

Public feedback included two objections. One raised concerns about issuing a licence for an empty site. The licensing inspector informed the committee that similar decisions have been made in cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Tauranga, setting a precedent for such cases.

The second objection came from local resident Alicia Hubbard, who expressed that the area has become quieter and more enjoyable since the tavern’s closure. She noted disturbances from patrons in the past, including noise and litter. Despite her claims, Hubbard admitted she had not formally documented these incidents. The applicant’s lawyer, Simon Middlemiss, argued that without documented evidence, her testimony held little weight, suggesting that disturbances may have occurred prior to Ricky Singh‘s management of the tavern, which began in 2017.

The application faced no opposition from the police, the medical officer of health, or the licensing inspectorate. The committee ultimately decided to grant the on-licence, subject to several conditions. The new premises must obtain planning and building certificates, as well as an approved fire evacuation scheme. Additionally, the applicant needs current food registration under the Food Act and must provide an updated list of duty managers.

Before the licence is issued, the licensing inspectorate, public health inspectors, and police will conduct site compliance inspections to ensure all conditions are satisfied. Once the licensing inspector submits a report confirming compliance, the licence can be formally granted.

The proposed trading hours for the new Cloverlea Tavern are set from 10:00 to 22:00 on Sundays, and from 10:00 to 02:00 the following day from Monday to Saturday. This plan aims to re-establish the tavern as a local venue while adhering to local regulations and community standards.