A former bankrupt turned Dunedin bar owner is facing the liquidation of several hospitality companies.
Benjamin Hanssen is recorded as a director of 2 Mooses Tavern Ltd and a director and shareholder of The Church Nightclub Ltd.
Inland Revenue confirmed civil proceedings had been filed against both companies, but declined to release details of the cases, citing confidentiality.
Dunedin police have confirmed matters relating to Mr Hanssen ''are with the CIB for investigation''.
Mr Hanssen, and his partner Kerry Thompson, have business interests in Dunedin bars Metro, Monkey Bar, Diamond Lounge/Rumours and the Clarendon Hotel.
The liquidation proceedings against the two companies are believed to involve the Diamond Lounge and the Monkey Bar.
The Moray Pl-based Diamond Lounge used to trade as the 2 Mooses Tavern before it was converted into an adult entertainment venue, and includes a bar called Rumours.
Rumours has not traded for months, while Diamond Lounge has been shut for several weeks, as has the student-oriented nightclub Monkey Bar.
A staff member said that several employees from one of the businesses had not been paid for several weeks by another company operated by Mr Hanssen.
The Otago Daily Times understands Mr Hanssen and Mr Thompson have left Dunedin, and no longer have interests in the bars.
Staff at Metro were told this month the pair would no longer be running the business.
Mr Hanssen and Mr Thompson did not return ODT calls.
