The woman behind Queens­town’s new topless bar has court warrants against her for failing to appear on a string of fraud charges.

Kelly Maria Smith – aka Kelly Denton and Kelly McVey – faces the warrants for failing to appear in court.

The 37-year-old, who opened Rolla bar in Church Lane four weeks ago, faces a variety of charges from alleged incidents in Otaki near Wellington as well as Christchurch and Queenstown between July-September this year.

Allegedly “obtaining by deception”, Smith received two nights’ accommodation and $39-worth of food in Queenstown, as well as food worth $53.50 in Christchurch, court documents reveal.

In Otaki, she allegedly obtained by deception food worth $39, domestic bus travel, four bouquets of flowers and an international flight.

She also allegedly “obtained by pecun­iary advantage” $180 worth of Vodafone prepay credit.

She faces one charge of obtaining property dishonestly – a BNZ cheque – in Otaki.

When speaking to Mountain Scene last month she said her name was Kelly Smith and refused to have her photo taken.

She says she came to Queenstown from Australia recently and the opportunity came up to buy 12 Bar – now Rolla – off local restaurateur Mark Jessop.

Fernhill resident Smith touted Rolla as a tasteful “high-end, theatrical, burlesque” bar – but most nights the top­less girls have worn denim jeans instead of fancy tulle skirts.

Rolla shut its doors last week – “pending finalisation of lease and business purchase”, according to a sign.

Smith says she hasn’t showed up in court due to “health issues” but promises to front when she’s next due.

“I’ve spoken to the deputy sergeant there and they know that I have health issues.

“They’ve taken me down there and I’ve been with them to have things sorted out with regards to what they think I might have and all that.

“I would be very careful as to what you print.

Because I will, if I have to, bring it back on Mountain Scene – if you make comments right now, it’s going to jeopardise my health and my integrity and my positioning in this town.”

Rolla will “absolutely” re-open soon, she says.

“But at the same time you guys will ruin me if you report what you’re about to report. At the moment, they’re only allegations and reputation is everything.”

Smith wouldn’t say whether she’s still buying the business off Jessop – who’s currently in India and couldn’t be contacted.

Mountain Scene has also learned that Rolla was selling alcohol – legally – under the liquor licence held by Jessop’s 12 Bar.