A Christchurch bar has gone into liquidation within weeks of opening, after failing to get a liquor licence. The Wise Guys Bar and Restaurant, which opened on Victoria St in July, could only operate as an unlicensed restaurant, despite having had taps installed and purchasing liquor to sell. It is the second business on the same site to have closed down this year, and joins the long line of hospitality outlets in Christchurch to have gone under.
The restaurant offered deals such as $5, ‘kids eat free’ on Sundays and a talent quest with a $3000 prize, but nothing could boost business. The liquidator's report said that the business was not viable without liquor, and that the liquor licence was declined. However, local licensing committee records show that the application was not declined but rather withdrawn by the applicant before a decision could be made.
The creditors include Coca Cola, Lion, Silver Chef, Luxon Advertising and Media Works. Debts totalled $74,000, and the report noted that it was unlikely that it would be able to be repaid. The sole director and shareholder is Michael Smith, who also owns a demolition and asbestos removal company.
Tequila Mockingbird, Harlequin Public House and Rockstar Pizza have all closed on Victoria St in the past year, although figures from the Restaurant Association show growth in the region overall. There were 339 new opening in 2017, offset by 243 closures.
