Noise from Wanaka's Mint Bar is "unbearable" according to neighbours opposing the bar's liquor licence renewal application at a hearing in Queenstown this week.
Simon and Louise Shelton and Noel and Diana Bonisch oppose Base Wanaka and Mint Bar's licence renewal application to the Liquor Licensing Authority.
The objectors share a holiday home in Brownston St, Wanaka, directly opposite the bar.
Mr Bonisch told the authority hearing that noise levels coming from the bar were a nuisance throughout the year.
He had heard patrons screaming and shouting in the early hours of the morning when leaving the bar.
"Patrons are screaming, singing, performing the haka and swearing. They are urinating and vomiting in front of our house and we have observed damage to our letterbox and wiring," he said.
The music's bass was interrupting his family's sleep and they no longer wanted to stay at their holiday home, he said.
John Young, acting for the bar, said the building was purpose-built for noise mitigation with double-locked double-glazed windows and doors.
The company had noise management plans for the bar and it had complied with Queenstown Lakes District Council noise limits.
"The 40dBA limit is outdated and onerous when compared with other council policies around the country," he said.
He said the objections lacked proof and did not refer to specific incidents.
Backpackers sleeping above the bar had not complained.
Liquor Licensing Authority Judge Bill Unwin reserved his decision for 30 days.
