Not closing, under-fire Dunedin bar owner says

An Octagon bar owner insists his late-night venue will not become the latest to close, despite police opposition to a renewed on-licence after a string of assaults linked to the premises.

An application from Arrack Co Ltd's Steve Hannagan to renew the on-licence for Pop Bar, in the lower Octagon, has drawn opposition from police and health officials.

Police wanted the bar's 4am closing time to be preceded by a one-way door policy beginning at 3am, but Mr Hannagan has so far refused, pushing instead for a 3.30am start to the restriction.

Alcohol harm reduction officer Sergeant Ian Paulin told the Otago Daily Times police concerns related to 11 serious incidents inside and outside the bar over the past three years: three serious assaults, four less-serious assaults, two incidents of fighting and two of disorder.

Most occurred between 3am and 6am and all were linked to the bar, he said.

As well as the injuries and police prosecutions involved, the total number of incidents linked to one bar was a concern, Sgt Paulin said.

''That's why we have requested a hearing,'' he said.

Mr Hannagan was reluctant to comment ahead of next week's hearing, but defended the bar.

''To me, it comes down to personal accountability of some of these incidents from the kids that have been involved. But by default, you're dragged into it because you have the premises.''

He insisted there was ''no risk'' of the bar closing.

''We'll reach an agreeable compromise.''

Sgt Paulin said in one incident a heavy glass ashtray was used as a weapon, and in another, an ''intoxicated'' man attacked police in the upper Octagon.

''The person was allowed to get intoxicated on the premises,'' he said.

A third ''pretty horrific'' incident inside the bar was captured on camera, and the footage could be played at next week's hearing, Sgt Paulin said.

He had no concerns about the suitability of Mr Hannagan - who also co-owns Bacchus Wine Bar and Restaurant - as an applicant.

However, Mr Hannagan appeared to take a hands-off approach to Pop Bar, which had a late-night reputation that attracted ''an interesting melting pot'' of people, Sgt Paulin said.

''If you have got that sort of clientele, you have to manage them that much better.''

Earlier this year, the licence for Carousel bar, in lower Stuart St, also ran into police opposition, amid concerns about operator John Devereux's response to overcrowding and an assault on the premises.

Mr Devereux was granted a reprieve following a hearing and given 90 days to investigate options to increase the bar's capacity.