Jennifer Pittorino
After months of back and forth between Moon Dog Craft Brewery and Maribyrnong council, it seems there is no happy ending following a last minute decision to postpone the brewery’s long awaited opening night.
It was August when Moon Dog Owner Karl van Buuren received the green light from council to move into the former Franco Cozzo building in Footscray following months of discussions and planning.
The western themed, multi-level bar and music venue was due to open on Wednesday, April 17, however VIP guests were turned away as they lined up for entry.
Mr van Buuren said he was forced to make the difficult decision to deny entry to invited guests following an order that the location of a fire hydrant was unsuitable.
“Council officers came yesterday (Tuesday,16) and informed us the location of the fire hydrant booster assembly was unsuitable,” he said.
“We worked for a number of hours trying to work with council for a temporary reprieve or permit to allow us to open.
“The fire hydrant system we have here was tested, approved and certified and is compliant.
“It is simply a matter of fact that whilst we had plans that showed that the hydrogen was on the footpath, that was endorsed by multiple parts of council, that particular part of the footpath is not allowed.”
However, chief executive Celia Haddock deflected blame saying the decision not issue an occupancy certificate wasn’t made by council.
“This matter is between Moon Dog and their private building surveyor,” she said.
“Our understanding is that earlier this week, Moon Dog’s private building surveyor, who is responsible for issuing the relevant building permits and certificate of occupancy required for the venue to trade, had flagged issues with the fire hydrant and booster cabinet, as the works had not been carried out in accordance with the relevant Building Regulations 2018.
“Council is disappointed that the cancellation of the opening has been misrepresented by Moon Dog as being a decision made by council, especially given how closely we have worked with them throughout the planning and construction process.”
When asked why the occupancy certificate was left to the last minute, Mr van Buuren said he was on the phone with the Moon Dog team, the surveyor and council to see if something could go ahead until 7:30pm when council said no.
When Star Weekly went to press opening night had not been rescheduled.
