Bar ban after 'disturbing comments' about Maori

A Rotorua man has been refused a bar manager's licence after making "disturbing" comments about Maori.

Ray Sayed has been told he can't run a bar in Rotorua.

He has been refused a renewal of his general manager's certificate following a Liquor Licensing Authority decision.

The ruling comes after a run-in with Rotorua's Maori wardens, who do bar checks for the Rotorua District Council.

Sayed intends to reapply for the general manager's certificate in Tauranga next week.