Rupa’s Café Halts Operations Following Unlicensed Trading Investigation

Auckland’s Rupa’s Café has agreed to cease operations after being found to have resumed trading without a valid food licence, according to a report from The New Zealand Herald. The café, located at 103 Wellington Street in Freemans Bay, had previously announced plans to close its doors permanently on July 4, 2023, after over 70 years of service.

In a poignant farewell to its loyal customers, a poster displayed in the café’s window encouraged patrons to come in for their final taste of samosas, chai, and curry. The message, signed by owner Dilip Kumar Rupa and his staff, invited customers to “share one last smile” rather than say goodbye.

Despite these farewell sentiments, the café was observed reopening for business last week, prompting Auckland Council to initiate an investigation. A staff member from the Herald noted an “Open” sign outside the café, along with freshly baked goods displayed, as customers enjoyed their meals inside. In response, a food inspector was dispatched to the location, but found the café closed during their visit on Tuesday.

Alan Ahmu, the council’s team leader for Environmental Health Response, confirmed that Rupa’s Café’s food registration was cancelled in June 2025. He further stated that no new application for food registration had been submitted for the establishment. The council was not informed of the café’s alleged reopening and indicated that a follow-up inspection would occur within two days.

In an update, Ahmu mentioned that a food safety officer had contacted the café, and during this communication, the operator acknowledged the requirement for a food licence. The café has since agreed to halt its trading and informed the council that it would not resume operations until it is properly registered. The council reiterated that operating without a valid licence constitutes an offence, carrying penalties of up to $50,000 for individuals and $200,000 for corporations upon conviction.

Background on Compliance Issues

Rupa’s Café has faced a contentious history with Auckland Council and WorkSafe regarding compliance matters and unpaid property taxes. Notably, Rupa was the first individual prosecuted by WorkSafe for failing to display Covid-19 QR codes during the pandemic, leading to a fine of $1,500 after a trial in his absence. The presiding judge, Stephen Bonnar, KC, determined that Rupa had purposefully opted not to comply with the regulations.

The Rupa family has also been embroiled in a prolonged dispute with the council over unpaid rates for the café and two residential properties in Grey Lynn. By 2021, the total unpaid rates had ballooned to $350,000, prompting the council to initiate court proceedings. As of September 2022, reported figures indicated that the outstanding rates and penalties had reached a staggering $876,623.65, which included $662,179.06 for the café and $214,444.59 for the family home. This financial strain led the council to consider forced sales of the Rupa family’s properties.

In April 2023, a last-minute agreement was reached to settle the debt, although the specific terms remain confidential. As Rupa’s Café navigates its compliance challenges, the situation highlights the importance of adhering to local regulations to avoid significant financial and legal repercussions.