Helm is penalised over test rugby foul

Hamilton bar The Helm, owned by prolific bar owner John Lawrenson, has had its liquor licence suspended for 24-hours after running foul of the Liquor Licensing Authority.

The authority ruled the Ulster St bar breached its licence on the night of the Springbok-All Blacks test last September when it opened up a temporary bar area outside the premises.

Police noted a large number of patrons drinking in the fenced off area.

The 24-hour suspension runs from 7am Easter Saturday.

Mr Lawrenson told the Waikato Times he initially disputed the finding, saying he had licence plans which approved use of the area.

However, Mr Lawrenson said it was cheaper to shut down on the traditionally quiet Easter Saturday than spend thousands in legal fees disputing the ruling.

"I was 99 per cent sure we could use the area in question but the authority didn't see it that way.

"In the future if we ever want to open up that area to patrons, we will spend $63 and buy a special licence. On this occasion I didn't purchase a special licence because I didn't think it was needed."

Mr Lawrenson said he had 13 security staff and five duty managers working the night of the test and had no reports of fights or intoxicated patrons.

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