Australian Hotels Association fights to appeal small Whyalla venue, Draft and Drift

A Whyalla man’s dream of opening his own small bar is in limbo, but a powerful hotel lobby is fighting to block his already-approved liquor licence.

Mark Jones outside the future home of Draft & Drift, where work has stalled as a court battle over the bar’s liquor licence plays out. Picture: Supplied

A Whyalla man’s dream to open a boutique cocktail and wine bar is hanging in the balance — after the powerful Australian Hotels Association SA stepped in to try to overturn his already-approved liquor licence.

Mark Jones, the man behind the planned Draft and Drift bar in City Plaza, said he was blindsided by the appeal.

“It’s incredibly disappointing to see big business challenge a Whyalla local who’s simply trying to invest back into the town that shaped them,” he said.

Mr Jones had secured an on-premises licence from the Licensing Court of SA in April, but that green light is now in limbo.

The AHA has launched an appeal, arguing the court failed to properly consider the “potential adverse effects” a new venue could have on existing pubs in the area.

A new court hearing is now set for June 6.

While AHA SA boss Anna Moeller declined to comment due to the matter being before the courts, Mr Jones insists his bar will offer something completely different to the town’s existing pub scene.

Mark Jones outside the future home of Draft & Drift, where work has stalled as a court battle over the bar’s liquor licence plays out.

“We won’t have pokies, no bottle shop, no full meals,” he said.

“It’s a small, intimate space serving premium cocktails and fine wine. There’s nothing else like it in Whyalla.”

Mr Jones said the venue was inspired by Adelaide’s Peel Street bar culture and his family’s pub-owning roots in England — a space aimed at professionals, couples, and anyone seeking a more intimate drinking experience.

But instead of getting ready for their grand opening, he’s now caught in a David-and-Goliath type battle that’s sparked frustration among some locals.

Among them is Whyalla Councillor Peter Borda who has launched a petition backing Draft and Drift, attracting more than 500 signatures in support so far.

“The petition … will go a long way to helping send a message to the powers that be that the

Whyalla community will support new local small businesses and we want to give them a chance to get up and running and enhance the enjoyment of our city,” Cr Borda wrote on Facebook.

He added that he took up the cause independently and had no financial interest in the venue.

Mr Jones says he respects established venues but believes his bar can coexist alongside them.

“The money I’d bring in is nothing compared to the big hotels with gaming and meals,” he said.

“I thought it would be a welcomed addition to town — Whyalla deserves something new, something different.”