The Monkey Bar, in Hanover St, Dunedin, has failed in its bid to remain open until 4am.
In its decision, released this month, the Liquor Licensing Authority said all but one of the bars in the vicinity were required to close at 3am and so too would the Monkey Bar.
The Liberty Lounge had earlier secured the right to stay open until 4am one night a week after appealing to the authority.
While the authority recognised the licensee had made efforts to control noise and alcohol-related incidents at the bar, if its closing time was extended from 3am to 4am there would be an inevitable migration to the Monkey Bar from the establishments in the area that closed at 3am, Judge John Hole said in the decision.
Since October 2008, the Bowling Green Tavern has closed (following an authority decision to impose a closing time of 1am); the South Bar has had its 24-hour licence reduced to 3am closing; and the Stadium Sports Bar and Bowler and Metro bars are required to close at 3am.
The extended closing would prolong the migration of "intoxicated and boisterous young people" heading towards the Octagon, which would not assist in any way in reducing alcohol abuse.
The inevitable increase in antisocial behaviour would be detrimental to the residents in the immediate neighbourhood.
