Godley House Licence Proposal Questioned

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31786, 17 September 1968, Page 17

Godley House Licence Proposal Questioned

A tourist-house licence for the Godley House private hotel at Diamond Harbour was sought by the owner, the Lyttelton Borough Council, at a sitting of the Licensing Control Commission yesterday. The commission’s competency to issue the licence was questioned by Mr G. S. Orr, counsel for the commission. He said there was nothing in the Sale of Liquor Act or the Municipal Corporations Act that allowed the granting of a licence to a council. An amendment in 1963 allowed specified councils, holding licences, to retain them.

“We have always taken the view that local bodies are excluded in the absence of an empowering statute,” said the chairman (Mr S. T. Barnett). Cr R. H. Duff, chairman of the council’s finance commit-

tee, said the council would make any modifications required. and was in a position to proceed. It appreciated that accommodation was limited, but would favour extension by motels. Godley House had accommodation for 17 guests, said the inspector of licensed premises (Mr R. W. Jenkins). Diamond Harbour had a permanent population of 300 which trebled during the holidays.

Mr Jenkins said the application, made on July 17, was not supported by plans, the council being aware of what would be needed, but it did not propose to make alterations until the outcome of the application was known. A doubt must arise as to whether a potential guest list of 17 showed enough public interest, but, subject to modification of the premises, there seemed to be no reason why a licence should not be authorised. Decision was reserved.