What the cluck? Bar bans hen party

The Outback bar says some in the hen party were too drunk, not too old. Photo / Christine Cornege

A group of hen-party guests is accusing a student bar of ageism, saying half their party was turned away for being "too old".

But the Hamilton bar's management denies any age-discrimination, saying the women were a "rougher-looking hen's party", and some were barred because they were drunk and aggressive.

Botany tea shop manager Irene Richards and a group of friends went from Auckland last Saturday to celebrate her older sister Kura's hen night in Hamilton.

Ms Richards said more than half the 14 women in the group 14-strong group paid the $4 cover charge to enter The Outback Inn, but the rest - aged between 30 and Ms Richards' near 50-year-old mother - were barred entry.

"The bouncer told us himself - he pointed to the sign and said "we have an age limit and these people are too old". We were like, 'what the f***? Are you serious?"'

Ms Richards said her requests to speak to management at the time were denied, and subsequent email requests for an explanation had gone unanswered.

She said she was considering laying a complaint with the Human Rights Commission.

"We had an awesome night up until then, but after the Outback it all turned to s***," she said.

But Outback Inn owner John Lawrenson said the bar did not have an age limit.

"If you're a well-dressed, 50-year-old and you're there with your group and you want to have a good time then we are not going to have any problems with that," he said.

"But if you're part of a rough group, and seem a bit intoxicated, we might ask you a couple of questions because we are just trying to screen people's behaviour before they get to the bar."

Mr Lawrenson said the group was a "rougher-looking hen's party". Some appeared slightly intoxicated and were not allowed inside, prompting them to abuse the doorman.

"The doormen are trained to ask people a few questions and if they give you an impression they are going to be a problem they won't be allowed in." he said.

"If they are going to abusive to the doorman, what are they going to be like if someone bumps into them on the dance floor ?"

Mr Lawrenson said he had not received any email or call from Ms Richards but he was willing to discuss and respond to any of her concerns.