Dunedin's historic Robbie Burns Pub will be closed for at least another nine months while earthquake strengthening is carried out.
The George St operation, founded in the 19th century, closed last year when the tenant left after just six weeks, leaving its future unclear
Owner Oakwood Properties executive director David Marsh said it would reassess the site early next year once the seismic strengthening was carried out.
Asked if it would continue as a pub, he said: ''We would hope so, but I can't categorically say it will.''
The building being untenanted meant it was the ''perfect time'' to do earthquake strengthening.
He would not say how much strengthening it to 75% of new building standard would cost, but said it was ''never cheap''.
Any new hospitality operation at the site would likely need a food component, given the current environment.
''Bars with purely alcohol probably just don't work any more.''
