Last drinks will be served this weekend at the Coasters Bar of the Beachfront Hotel, ending 153 years of public houses on the old Southland Hotel site in Hokitika. The Revell St bar is closing a month earlier than initially planned, with last drinks to be called on Sunday. After the close of business it will be shut to allow builders to move in and begin converting the bar into accommodation. Beachfront Hotel board chairman Peter Cuff acknowledged it was the end of an era, particularly for older patrons - "the guys that have drank there all their life". The 10 pokie machines currently in the bar will also stay in a new area to be created in the former reception.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 16, 2018 01:18 UTC