Parrotdog caught serving minor in sting, Lyall Bay bar licence suspended
Popular Wellington brewery Parrotdog has had its liquor licence suspended after being caught serving a minor.
The brewery’s Lyall Bay bar has been ordered to close for three days from tomorrow in accordance with the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.
The bar’s manager has also had his certificate suspended for 28 days.
The minor was served on Friday, August 14 during a sting/controlled purchase operation.
Parrotdog posted about the closure on Facebook, saying it takes the issue of serving minors seriously.
“So when we ask for your ID, all we ask in return is that you kindly share it with those behind the bar. Perhaps throw in a line about looking youthful while you’re at it.”
In a statement to the Herald, Parrotdog apologised for the breach and said it accepted the penalty.
It said this is the first licensing breach for the bar since opening in 2018.
As a result, the business has updated training and procedures with all bar staff with “renewed emphasis on age verification, acceptable identification and escalation to the Duty Manager whenever there is any uncertainty”.
“We take our responsibility to serve alcohol safely and lawfully very seriously.”
Parrotdog said the closure is a significant financial penalty and a meaningful loss. Staff rostered on will still receive pay over the three-day closure.
“We accept that consequence and are focused on learning from it and reopening as a stronger and safer venue.
“We are grateful for the continued support of the Lyall Bay community and look forward to welcoming everyone back.”
Parrotdog officially launched its first beer in Wellington in 2011.
The Lyall Bay bar opened seven years later.
Grace Symmans is a Wellington-based reporter who covers news in the capital. Grace joined NZME in 2025 as a producer for Wellington Mornings on Newstalk ZB. She can be emailed at grace.symmans@nzme.co.nz.