Deborah Perrin, licensee of the Club House Hotel, appeared in Wellington Local Court last week charged with failing to comply with conditions of license.

The charge was the result of a private party held at the premises on May 16 this year.

According to police facts, about 2pm on May 12 police met with Ms Perrin in relation to signing up to a local agreement the police had supplied her with the previous week.

At that same time, they spoke to her about the party and put the allegation to her that they heard she was closing the hotel for the event.

Ms Perrin confirmed that was her intention, but she was then informed by police she could not close the premises under the hotelier’s license and if she did she would be in severe breach of license conditions.

The hotelier informed police she would contact the NSW office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing.

About 10.40pm on May 16, police were driving past the location and saw a number of people talking to security. Police stopped to see what was happening and were approached by the above witnesses complaining they had been refused entry as the hotel was closed for a private function.

Police spoke to the security guard who confirmed they had been instructed by the licensee that the hotel was closed and only people invited to the party were allowed entry.

According to the police evidence, about 11.30am on May 19 police contacted the two security staff who worked on the night in order to ascertain if the premises had been used for a private function by Ms Perrin.

Both provided statements to police.

Police returned to the station and after conducting enquiries the matter was before the court.

In court, Ms Perrin pleaded guilty to the charge, with magistrate Terry Lucas last week fining her $1500 and $76 court costs.