Thirsty Liquor Tokoroa has had its alcohol license suspended after failing to maintain employment standards.

The business hadn’t been paying its staff properly, and had “severe” deficiencies in its record keeping, staff rostering, and provision for staff welfare breaks. It had been warned, and didn’t solve the issues despite two extensions.

“It’s unacceptable for employers to continually and intentionally breach employment law, undermining employees’ rights and undercutting other businesses in the industry,” said Labour Inspectorate retail sector strategy lead Loua Ward said.

The license was not extended after a licensing committee heard staff were not trained properly, and had to handle shifts on their own, without breaks.

The Committee decided giving the business a license to sell alcohol would be a detriment to the Tokoroa community, and that the business must cease selling alcohol within two months.

“Liquor retail is a focus area for the Inspectorate as part of the wider retail sector strategy. In addition to undertaking audits and investigations into individual businesses, and providing information and education to employers and employees, the Inspectorate engages with key industry players such as franchisors, suppliers and licensing bodies,” Ward said.

“The majority of New Zealand employers want to do the right thing and ensuring a level playing field is especially important for the labour market’s recovery from the effects of Covid-19.”

And according to Ward, the Inspectorate is beginning to see industry leaders lifting compliance.