A popular Ahuriri bar will have to close for 24 hours next week after the alcohol licensing authority found it had served alcohol to a drunk customer.
The suspension of the Thirsty Whale's on-licence was part of a ruling released by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority in relation to a liquor licensing hearing held in December last year when owner and Napier City Councillor Keith Price sought to renew the bar's on-licence.
The licence will be suspended for 24 hours from 8am on Friday, January 30.
Police alcohol harm prevention officer Sergeant Ray Wylie said allegations that people had been served alcohol on the premises while intoxicated were proved by police during the December hearing.
He said attempts by police and the district licensing inspector to work with the bar to reduce alcohol-related harm before the hearing had been unsuccessful.