Controversial Retro Bar closed down

The controversial Retro Bar – described by police as one of the worst bars in the Wellington region – is set to shut for good after the company that owns it was placed into liquidation.

Iain Shephard and Heath Gair were appointed as joint liquidators of MSP Trading, formerly known as Retro Bar, on Tuesday.

The company’s sole shareholder and director, Mark Spiekerman, placed the company into liquidation the previous day. Creditors have until February 20 to make their claims.

The announcement comes after the Liquor Licensing Authority chose not to renew Retro Bar’s on-licence this month.

Mr Shephard said Mr Spiekerman placed the company into liquidation because the authority’s decision left him with no other choice.

All Retro Bar staff had lost their jobs.

“We are unsure whether there will be sufficient funds to pay staff all of their wages and other entitlements,” he said yesterday.

Retro Bar in Paraparaumu suffered unwanted publicity following the deaths of lzak Millanta, 17, in August, and Sean Strongman-Lintern, 20, in September. Both men were attacked in car parks near the bar at Kāpiti Lights.

The bar was described by police as a “drinking den” and one of the worst bars in the Wellington district when 17 officers gave evidence to the authority last month, either opposing the renewal of its licence or seeking a reduction in its opening hours.

Mr Spiekerman did not return calls yesterday.