The owner of a bar in central Wellington is calling for a change to the liquor licencing system, after losing his business over a breach.
Don Cliburn said he has to close the doors on Orpheus Restaurant while he fights Wellington City Council and police for a new alcohol licence, as the business isn't profitable solely through the sale of food.
Cliburn said he didn't receive notices about his licence for the Allen St restaurant coming up for renewal in August, because they were sent to an address registered by his former business partner.
A spokesman from Wellington City Council confirmed several notices were sent, and Cliburn was also warned over the phone the day his licence expired.
He immediately applied for a new one, but kept selling alcohol while his application was processed, which could take up to seven weeks.