Waikiki Beach Hotel to go ahead after liquor licence approved

Design image of the Waikiki Beach Hotel.

The proposed Waikiki Beach Hotel is going ahead after its liquor licence was reinstated.

The Liquor Commission of Western Australia handed down their decision on Tuesday, dismissing an appeal against the licence.

It comes after publican, Arthur Barrett, threatened to pull out of the project when his liquor licence was frozen back in February due to complaints from two residents.

The complaints included  "socioeconomic vulnerabilities" that could increase the "susceptibility to alcohol-related harm", and concerns the tavern would "lessen the amenity, quiet and good order of Safety Bay".

The 1000-patron capacity was also labelled "inappropriate" for a residential setting and would generate significant traffic, parking and noise and the tavern's close proximity to properties, a proposed daycare, schools, places of worship and medical facilities presented "unacceptable risks".

According to the court documents, Mr Barrett and developer Rhys Kelly, highlighted the history of the site, having being a tavern for 50 years up until the early 2000s.

They also claimed only two people objected the proposed tavern out of around 24,500 residents and no complaints were lodged by any churches, schools, medical facilities, or other community organisations.

They also emphasised that the tavern would be an  "upmarket community and neighbourhood-focused, family-friendly dining, drinking, socialising and entertaining venue, with a dedicated children's play area and strong food service component".

In handing down their decision, the Commission said "having regard to all circumstances, including the site's location, history, and the absence of
objections from residents, businesses, community facilities or government authorities other than the two Applicants, the Commission finds that the grant is unlikely to cause undue offence, annoyance, disturbance or inconvenience."

The Commission dismissed the objections effectively reactivating the conditional liquor licence.

The proposed Waikiki Beach Hotel is part of a $12 million development that also includes a daycare centre, a gym, a medical centre, a pharmacy, and a cafe.

Design image of the Waikiki Beach Hotel. 

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