Port Stephens Council will assume the role of licensee of the Medowie Sports and Community Club once an operator has been appointed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Councillors at the February 11 meeting acted on expert advice and the precedents set by other Hunter councils including Newcastle and Singleton by voting to apply to the Office of Liquor and Gaming for a council-held liquor licence.
The decision allows the council, as owner of the facility, to appoint its property services section manager as the approved licensee.
"Originally, it was contemplated by council that the club board would hold the liquor licence. Expert advice has recommended the current approach will better meet operator expectations," the report stated.
"It is intended that the licence will remain with council and that the approved manager role will be transferred to the operator [when appointed]."
While Cr Giacomo Arnott expressed some misgivings about council's role as licensee, a first for Port Stephens, the Medowie club's leading advocate Cr Chris Doohan described the initiative as a "no-brainer" and adopting "best practice".
"The club has the support of many organisations including NSW Police, Health Department, RMS, and of the 970 submissions received by council in an online community survey, only one expressed opposition. I can live with that," Cr Doohan said.
He received rousing support from the remaining councillors, who acknowledged the work of council staff and declared the initiative as "clever and efficient", while promoting business and jobs in Medowie.
"The on-premises liquor licence allows for the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises when another product or service (including food, entertainment and accommodation) is sold, supplied or provided to customers," the report stated.
As part of the liquor licence application process, the council publicly advertised its intent to apply for a licence ... where overwhelming support was received.
Three submissions have been lodged to operate the club, with a decision expected "soon following a robust assessment".
RELATED READING