Popular Ponsonby bar Longroom is now enforcing a R22 age limit

Longroom now has a R22 sign in their window. Photo / Supplied

Popular Ponsonby bar Longroom has started to enforce an R22 age limit, reports AUT student journalism magazine Te Waha Nui

Young bar-goers are voicing frustration online after getting turned away on popular Friday and Saturday nights out.

Richard Bagnall (Co-owner) defended the bar's position saying that its liquor license was being threatened largely by 18-20 year olds who were too intoxicated.

Although Bagnall said the age limit was not strictly enforced and would mainly be on Fridays and Saturdays. However, "if you were with a group of friends who are 23 and you are 21, we wouldn't turn you away", he said.

Bagnall also noted the bar was still willing to host functions for those under the age of 22.

He also said the change would be positive for the typically older audience of the bar and the workers.

Feedback on the new rule is not all bad, with the bar's old punters taking some satisfaction in regaining the popular drinking spot.

The bar is still happy to allow event bookings for groups who are under 22. Photo / Supplied

Alcohol Healthwatch director Nikki Taylor believed the real problem lay in New Zealand's binge-drinking culture. The culture was one of heavy pre-drinking before going out, encouraging drunkenness and condemning those who did not want to drink.

Taylor believed cheap alcohol prices also contributed to the problem and said bars should have systems in place to deal with intoxicated people, no matter what their age.