Meads Cup Winners Denied Entry to Bar After Celebratory Victory

The victorious Mid Canterbury Rugby team faced an unexpected setback after winning the prestigious Meads Cup on September 30, 2023. Celebrating their hard-fought victory over Thames Valley, the players were denied entry to Cleavers Corner Gastro Pub later that evening, leaving them “bitterly disappointed.”

According to Kenny Addison, chief executive of the Mid Canterbury Rugby Union, the incident occurred around 21:00 to 22:00 local time. Dressed in their team uniforms and holding the Meads Cup, the players had intended to join supporters already at the venue. Instead, they were turned away and returned to the changing rooms at the Ashburton Showgrounds, where they continued to celebrate by listening to music and enjoying drinks.

Addison expressed confusion over the situation, stating that the players were not intoxicated at the time. He revealed that police had instructed the security staff not to allow the group inside the pub. While he acknowledged the police’s challenging role, he struggled to understand the reasoning behind the decision.

In response, Janine Bowden, Senior Sergeant of the Ashburton police, clarified that law enforcement does not possess the authority to ban entry to establishments. “That responsibility lies with the venue’s duty manager,” she noted. Bowden emphasized the police’s commitment to ensuring compliance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2021, which mandates specific obligations for venues regarding host responsibility. She added that police conduct regular checks on hospitality businesses during high-risk periods.

Management at Cleavers Corner did not provide a comment regarding the incident. Despite the disappointment, Addison remained philosophical, bearing no ill will toward the police. He commended their efforts in maintaining public safety, especially during significant events.

Addison stressed that the rugby union promotes a culture of responsible drinking. The team celebrated modestly in the initial hours after the match, consuming a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Following their time at the showgrounds, the players visited the Phat Duck around 19:30 for additional food and drinks before attempting to enter Cleavers.

The incident did not overshadow the team’s achievement, which Addison described as a “phenomenal” milestone. The following day, the team showcased the Meads Cup in several locations, including Methven, Mt Somers, and Rakaia, before returning to Cleavers Corner later that evening.

The celebrations served as a heartfelt thank you to sponsors and the community for their support during the match. “The community turned up in big, big numbers,” Addison remarked, highlighting the importance of local support in their victory.