City of Greater Bendigo officers have recommended that the council knock back an application from the All Seasons Hotel to extend its liquor licence trading hours till 4am at weekends.
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The McIvor Road hotel’s management wants to push the closing time on weekends from 3am to 4am and on weekdays from 1am to 3am.
All Seasons director Jeanine Cooke said last year that the venue wished to extend trading hours to service guests and remain competitive with other venues.
Read more: All Seasons’ bid to extend trading hours
But in the agenda report for next Wednesday’s ordinary council meeting, a senior council planner said councillors should refuse the application because it would have an adverse impact on the amenity of the area as a result of noise.
“It is also considered that the proposal may have adverse social impacts on the community due to the increased hours available for gaming facilities,” the planner wrote.
Deputy mayor and Lockwood councillor Jennifer Alden last year came out in opposition to the All Seasons’ proposal, voicing concerns about the impact it would have on the community.
“In my opinion we should be placing public health and safety ahead of the needs of venues to generate additional sales,” Cr Alden said.
The council report notes that the proposed extension would exceed the recommended operating hours by four hours on Sundays, two hours on Monday to Wednesdays, and three hours on Thursday to Saturday.
(Story continues below council agenda).
The council’s licensed premises policy recommends that venues outside the city’s entertainment precinct – as the All Seasons is – close at 11pm on Sundays and 1am on other days.
The council planner wrote in the report that there was a possibility the later closing times might increase the incidence of anti-social behaviour, especially with patrons waiting outside with limited transport options.
He said that the proposed hours would “facilitate and encourage convenience gambling and the incidence of problem gambling”.
The report also makes mention of the venue’s close proximity to homes.
The proposed extension to trading hours was advertised via a notice at the venue, and letters to 17 nearby properties.
The council planner said that while only one objection was received from the community, the issues it raised – of noise and the impacts of gambling and drinking – were compelling and sufficiently supported the recommendation that council refuse the application.
The Bendigo Safe City Forum also opposed the proposal.
The Bendigo Advertiser contacted both the All Seasons Hotel and Cr Alden for comment.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
