Tavern closed after owner hired school pupils

A Whangarei tavern has been forced to close after the premises was hired out to high school students.

The Bee's Knees tavern owner Regina Halbert has surrendered her licence after admitting to various breaches of her licence, The Northern Advocate reported.

Police liquor licensing officer Sergeant Tai Patrick told the Liquor Licensing Authority issues of concern were underage drinking, overcrowding and the premises being hired to two secondary school students fundraising for their university education.

- NZPA