Empire?s future in limbo
By Joel Maxwell
The future of Jackson Street?s Empire Hotel was still in limbo last week as Hutt City Council reserved its decision on whether to renew the well-known hotel?s temporary license. The decision comes after a major brawl erupted in Jackson Street outside the hotel in May and a string of complaints from neighbours and police about the behaviour of its patrons. Council liquor licensing inspector Paul Schuchmann recommended to the district licensing agency subcommittee last Friday that it not renew the temporary license of owner Sharda Nana. He was supported in his recommendation by police licensing sergeant Alan Cappelman and Petone community constable Andy Smith. Without the license the hotel would be forced to shut at least until the hearing for its On License in late November. After the meeting committee chairman Ross Jamieson refused to comment about the decision, saying it was quasi-judicial process. Council acting communications and marketing manager Lisa Mulitalo said there was no indication given when the decision would be announced ? but it was hoped it would be this week. ?It?s a very serious decision,? she said. In his report to the committee Mr Schuchmann said as the new owner Ms Nana applied for her first temporary license in February this year. ?She was applying as the new owner of the business.? The temporary license allowed the hotel to continue operation while Ms Nana applied for an On License. She subsequently applied for a renewal of the temporary license in May and August. The report stated Mr Schuchmann and police opposed the renewal of the August application.
