Fin Hansen, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

All local hotels could soon be forced to serve meals, pending a review into the Liquor Licensing Act.

Moonta Hotel has been the only licensed venue serving regular meals since the Black Rhino Group purchased all three hotels in Moonta last year.

Consumer Affairs and Liquor and Gambling Commissioner Dini Soulio said the holders of a general and hotel liquor licence were not currently required to serve meals as a condition of their licence.

“A number of amendments to the Liquor Licensing Act are currently being considered and this will be one area that will be reviewed,” Mr Soulio said.

Copper Coast Council CEO Russell Peate has sent multiple emails to the Black Rhino Group since December 2022 enquiring about the lack of food provision, but is yet to receive a response.

“Council has been diligent in obtaining information regarding the conditions of (the group’s) licensing,” Mr Peate said.

“We will be liaising with the necessary parties to get a legislative reform in place as quickly as possible.”

Councillor Brent Walker said it was incredibly disappointing the group hadn’t corresponded appropriately with council.

“This is a town that’s been crowned SA Top Tourism Town (2021) and they (Black Rhino Group) can’t even take the time to explain why they aren’t serving meals,” Mr Walker said.

“The town spirit has just not been the same since they took over.

“I hope this reform is pushed through as quickly as possible.”

Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis said the lack of meal service was an issue that needed addressing.

“To have such a large, prominent tourism town with limited food options is unacceptable,” Mr Ellis said.

“I’ll be intrigued to see what the (Liquor Licensing Act) review recommends and I’ll be open to exploring any avenues worthwhile.”

This article appeared in the Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 27 June 2023.