A one-year trial will take place of extended trading hours for the new tavern to be opened on the former Jannali Inn site.
Management will have to show during this period they can effectively regulate potential negative social impacts on residents in the apartments above and adjoining properties.
Impacts could include noise, smoking, privacy concerns and matters related to the behaviour of patrons.
Operating hours from Monday to Saturday for internal areas will be 5am to midnight, outdoor areas 10am to 10pm and takeaway liquor sales 10am to 11pm. Sunday hours will differ.
The standard closing time for hotels is 10pm.
The Independent Planning and Assessment Panel (IHAP) approved with amendments and conditions the development application (DA) for the hotel at the base of the Union Place project comprising 89 apartments in two seven storey towers.
A Sutherland Shire Council assessment report said police had raised concerns about the hotel DA, and recommended a number of conditions
“Overall, since the closure of the original pub [the official term in the DA], NSW Police data indicates alcohol related crime figures for Jannali are now very low,” the report said.
“This does not necessarily indicate that the introduction of a new pub will immediately or inevitably increase the risk of crime in the area, but the police data indicates a nexus between reduced crime and the closed hotel.
“However, the police response stops short of recommending refusal of the proposal.
“If the Responsible Service of Alcohol regime is complied with, the police conditions are implemented, and if the pub is responsibly managed as indicated within the PoM (plan of management), crime risk is capable of being minimised.”
The report said the DA stated the operator would be the same management as that of the former Jannali Inn.
“However, whilst the proposal includes a public bar and gaming area, the operators purport to focus more on quality food in a family friendly environment which would indicate that there is to be an improvement in the quality of the pub both in terms of its function and character and the social role it plays within the Jannali centre.
“In light of the above consideration, the ongoing social impacts on the surrounding locality can be managed through the submitted PoM or resolved by conditions of consent.
“Additionally, the appropriateness of late-night use of the pub can be assessed in ‘real time’ by the imposition of an appropriate trial period condition, which is recommended.”
The report said the impact on adjoining residents would be minimal if the hotel was adequately managed, given that the hours were in general alignment with the approved hours of the previous establishment.
The IHAP said it noted the police concerns, but had formed the view the trial period, various conditions and provisions under the Liquor Act provided an appropriate regulatory framework.
“The panel noted the prior existence of a pub at the site prior to its recent redevelopment,” the panel said.
“The proposal will provide a venue for people to meet and recreate and will provide some positive social and economic benefits.
“There are benefits in terms of streetscape activation and support for the local Centre of which the site is part.
“The pub will also provide a wide range of services to the community.”
One of the amendments made by the panel included relocating the designated 10pm-midnight external smoking area.
Another amendment eased the recommended restriction on amplified music in the outdoor area from 8pm to 9pm.
