Hashigo Zake Chooses to Close for Wellington Sevens

February 2, 2015. For Immediate Release

Hashigo Zake Chooses to Close for Wellington Sevens

Hashigo Zake will close its doors to the public for one day this Saturday, February 7.

Instead a private, ticket-only event will be held for a few regular customers.

Hashigo Zake’s General Manager David Wood said “In past years sevens goers caused damage to bar property and severe stress to staff.

“The 'Party Central' atmosphere makes our regular customers feel unsafe, so they stay away. Instead we get riled up groups of costumes demanding shots and cheap drinks.

“We aim to create a safe, inviting and convivial atmosphere for our customers. That isn't possible if we're open to the public during the sevens."

This is the second time that the Wellington bar has been compelled to do this after deciding that the risks associated with being open to the public during the Wellington Sevens are too great to ignore.

The Wellington Sevens receives funding from the Wellington City Council.

This week the bar also has to pay the first instalment of a new fee imposed by the City Council as a consequence of the 2012 Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act. According to the Wellington City Council the fee of $632.50 is a reflection of the venue’s risk rating.

According to Hashigo Zake Proprietor, Dominic Kelly, “it’s absurd and insulting that the City Council support an event that creates so much risk that we can’t stay open, then assess us on risk and invoice us six hundred bucks."

Background on Hashigo Zake. Hashigo Zake opened in 2009 and specialises in the provision of beer from small and independent breweries in New Zealand and overseas. For the last three years it has been named New Zealand’s Best Bar by ratebeer.com. For the last two years New Zealand’s Society of Beer Advocates have voted it Wellington’s Best Bar. It is located at 25 Taranaki St, between Wellington’s waterfront and the nightlife district of Courtenay Place.

ENDS

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