Wannanup residents opposing the controversial Port Quays tavern scored a small victory in August, after the department of liquor licensing refused Lo Zucchero’s tavern license application.
According to the department, the evidence supplied by applicant Lo Zucchero showed a level of “dissembling in” information by referring to the premises as a restaurant instead of a tavern.
It also misrepresented personal statements submitted by residents opposing the proposal by using them as evidence in support of the application.
“[Lo Zucchero] has not clarified how the views of some consumers were misrepresented,” a report by the delegate of the director of liquor licensing read.
“This is a serious matter, which raises questions about the veracity of the applicant’s evidence.”
The department of liquor licensing also challenged Lo Zucchero’s claims that the tavern, located in the heart of a residential area, would boost the Peel region’s tourism, liquor and hospitality sectors.
They determined that the application wasn’t in the public interest and that it would have a negative impact on the amenity of the area, particularly for those home owners living nearby.
“In my view, the impact on the amenity of a cafe, kiosk, or simple restaurant, licensed or otherwise, would be significantly less than that of a tavern suitable for up to 140 patrons, with or without conditions on the license,” the report said.
A Port Bouvard resident who didn’t want to be named said that residents were relieved about the decision.
A long-standing issue
The controversial Port Quays tavern proposal divided the local community since it was first brought to council in 2015.
The proposal was first approved by the City of Mandurah in August 2016 with a set of strict conditions and regulations in place to minimise the impact on nearby properties.
However, Lo Zucchero took the matter to the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) seeking approval to brew alcohol on site and sell packaged beer and wine on the premises.
The SAT invited the City of Mandurah to reconsider their opposition to the sale of packaged alcohol on site and the City agreed to bring a report to council for consideration in January 2017.
City of Mandurah councillors approved the sale of take-away alcohol on site subject to the approval of a liquor license on January 24.
Marta Pascual Juanola
Photojournalist from Barcelona, currently based in WA. Five languages speaker: English - Català - Español - Norsk - العربية.
Photojournalist from Barcelona, currently based in WA. Five languages speaker: English - Català - Español - Norsk - العربية.
