December 16

At least two dozen Northland licensed premises could have their liquor or operating licence cancelled for failing to conduct fire drills.
The warning was issued by Northland fire safety officer Craig Bain after the Whangarei District Liquor Licensing Agency cancelled the Portland Recreation Centre's liquor licence on November 12.
Mr Bain said the centre did not adhere to its fire safety plan, such as holding six-monthly fire drills to test the effectiveness of its evacuation scheme, despite repeated reminders.
He said as a result, the Fire Service had serious concerns for the safety of occupants if a fire broke out at the centre.
There were at least 24 other licensed premises, mostly pubs and taverns, in Northland that the Fire Service had similar concerns over. He was not prepared to say who they were.
Mr Bain said even though there were concerns for the entire buildings, suspending their liquor licences was an effective way of ensuring compliance.
The Fire Safety could also recommend closure of buildings to appropriate authorities like district councils.
Licensing Inspector Maggie Wan said since the Whangarei District Council wrote to the Portland Recreation Centre's committee on August 26 requesting immediate action, there appeared to be some confusion within the centre on who would take responsibility for fire safety plan.
Centre president Laurie Bradshaw said funds were being raised to collect about $1000 for a fire alarm and arrangements would be put in place for fire drills.
He said the centre, which was struggling with membership and dwindling finances because the facilities had not been fully utilised, hoped to get its liquor licence back by the end of January or mid February.
Mr Bain said it was a wake-up call for other licensed premises to take the issue seriously because it could prove disastrous during a major fire.
'All they have to do is every six months, set off the alarm and evacuate everybody, so that their evacuation plan is well tested,' he said.
'They have the right to ignore our advice, but we've got ways to make them comply with evacuation techniques and general fire safety issues.'
Mr Bain said in cases such as childcare centres, the Fire Service could recommend their closure to the Ministry of Education if they did not met their fire safety obligations.
He said fire safety officers knew who the non-compliant licensees were and would ensure they followed regulations, especially during the festive season. The Fire Service has a system in place to keep track of compliance matters.
The Sale of Liquor Act allows a medical officer of health or the Fire Service to apply to the District Liquor Licensing Agency for suspension of a licence if the health and safety of people using the premises is compromised.
Closure of any parts of a non-compliant premise may be ordered by the agency.