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Police are one step closer to ending 24-hour liquor licensing in central Auckland with a popular city bar agreeing to a "lock-out" period.
Concerns about high levels of alcohol-fuelled violence prompted police in July to ask Auckland City councillors to consider abolishing 24-hour liquor licensing.
But Mayor John Banks opposed the idea, saying it would threaten efforts to earn the city a reputation for First World hospitality.
Senior Sergeant Ben Offner said police had spoken to Globe bar in Darby St, a "problem area".
Globe spokesman Peter Webster said it had agreed to a lock-out.
Patrons are unable to get in after 1am on Wednesdays and 2am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The bar had previously let people inside up until closing time, which can be as late as 5am.
