Child Assault Incident Sparks Heated Liquor Licence Challenge for Auckland Pub

A grandfather challenges an Auckland pub's liquor licence after a drunk patron slapped his grandson, sparking a debate over venue safety and management protocols.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 23, 2026, 3:49 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Unprovoked Assault During Family Dinner

The core of the objection stems from an evening in November 2024 when Shaw’s three-year-old grandson was assaulted while the family was dining. According to Shaw, a heavily intoxicated patron approached their table and slapped the child. CCTV footage reviewed during the hearing confirmed the physical contact, showing the patron walking from two tables away to strike the boy before telling the family to "control your kid." Shaw testified that the individual "reeked of alcohol" and that the confrontation escalated into verbal abuse and a subsequent attempted assault against Shaw himself when he tried to intervene.

Disputes Over Management Response and Seriousness

The hearing revealed a sharp divide between the victim's family and tavern staff regarding the severity of the event. While Shaw characterized the incident as a traumatic assault, tavern staff member Gail Neil suggested the child was merely "tapped" or "touched" rather than seriously injured. Another staff member, Shane Parker, claimed the child had been "causing a scene" by running around, though he admitted staff had never raised any concerns with the family prior to the assault. DLC Chair Michael Goudie noted that the primary grievance was the tavern's perceived failure to take the safety of its patrons seriously at the time of the occurrence.

Police Intervention and Corrective Measures

Local police did not attend the scene on the night of the incident due to a lack of available units, but followed up the following day. The offender received a formal caution for a minor assault on a child. In response to the fallout, the Huapai Tavern’s counsel, Andrew Braggins, outlined several operational changes designed to improve safety. These include new signage requiring constant parental supervision and a policy banning children from the premises after 8:00 PM. Furthermore, management has committed to calling the police immediately for any future physical altercations on site.