Queenstown Lakes Mayor Clive Geddes said the Queenstown bar's bid failed to meet the requirements regulatory body Lakes Environmental had for special licences, and the reason for the proposed extension of its hours was not a special event under the Sale of Liquor Act.
Debajo owner-operator Jason Clark applied for a special licence to host cocktail events for the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup on September 12 and 13 until 7am.
Mr Clark sought a late licence to have the option of remaining open beyond its current 4am restricted licence.
Agency members voiced their disappointment that Mr Clark did not appear in person to give information on why the extension of hours was a special event.
Mr Clark told the Otago Daily Times he was under the impression the matter was to be discussed the next day.
He was not able to attend yesterday.
"They made the decision without me and I have to go with the decision. It will be 4am closing this weekend."
Mr Clark said he did not have time to appeal the decision.
"Hopefully, they will be open-minded enough to consider extending my trading hours for future special events that we plan to hold."
