Bar manager admits cash theft from popular Christchurch pub

A former bar manager has admitted stealing thousands of dollars from a well-known Christchurch Irish pub over a period of more than a year.

According to a report by Stuff, Sophie Elizabeth Perniskie, 33, pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court on Friday to a representative charge of theft by a person in a special relationship.

The charge relates to the alleged theft of cash from The Craic Irish Bar on Riccarton Road between November 2023 and February 2025, during her time as the venue's bar manager.

According to court proceedings, police initially alleged that more than $70,000 had been stolen. However, Perniskie's lawyer, Kerry Cook, told the court that aspects of the case remain disputed and would be addressed in a memorandum to be filed at a later stage, Stuff has reported.

A request for the official summary of facts was declined for now, with Judge Mark Callaghan stating that the disputed matters must first be resolved before the document can be released.

Charging documents allege that between November 14, 2023, and February 2, 2025, Perniskie:

“Having control of property, namely cash, in circumstances that she knows requires her to account to…Craic Irish Bar … intentionally dealt with any proceeds of the property otherwise than in accordance with those requirements, and thereby committed theft,” as quoted by Stuff.

Perniskie has held several hospitality management roles in Christchurch and Auckland over the years, including positions as operations manager, general manager, and events and marketing manager. Her LinkedIn profile lists experience in venue operations, opening new hospitality businesses, organising events, and financial management, including “increasing profit by streamlining operations” and “reducing budgeting expenditure by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms,” Stuff has quoted.

The Craic Irish Bar is a popular venue among university students and is well known for its karaoke nights, quiz events and annual St Patrick's Day celebrations. The business is understood to have recently changed ownership, Stuff has reported.

Judge Mark Callaghan convicted Perniskie and granted her bail. She is scheduled to return to court for sentencing on November 4.