Eketahuna in Wairarapa to become a one pub town.

Famous for just being Eketahuna, the small town is about to be infamous for the unthinkable.

From a one-pub town the southern Tararua township is to become a no-pub town with the Eketahuna Commerical Hotel soon to be closing down. The last orders are to be served on Friday 5 June.

Publicans Phil Ryan and Kaye Brotherton say they don't want to shut the doors, but have been left with no alternative.

Ryan has been operating on a temporary authority license since taking over the management of the struggling pub in December last year. Temporary licenses are issued for three months and with time almost up on the second period Ryan and Brotherton have been told that their next application for a license will be opposed.

"The community want us to stay open up but the police have made it pretty clear that they don't want us here," Ryan says.

A petition has been started to keep the pub open.

Pahiatua Police sergeant Glenn Ryan says he would hate to see Eketahuna lose its only pub however that decision rests with the management of the hotel.

Sergeant Ryan says he is currently not happy with the way the hotel is being run.

He and a member from the liquor licensing committee met with the publicans last week to discuss a "number of issues" relating to the management of the hotel.

Given the date that their current temporary license expires they would have to remain unlicensed for a period of time while their application was processed, Sergeant Ryan says.

"Based on a number of combined factors the police would oppose the issuing of a third temporary authority or a substantive license," Sergeant Ryan says.

The ultimate decision is made by the District Licensing Committee. By Ryan and Brotherton not applying for the license they are essentially giving up on it.

A spokesperson from Tararua District Council says the likely time frame for the application and issuing of a third temporary license is between four and six weeks.

"It is all very well to blame police for Eketahuna losing their hotel when they are in a position to apply for a license and choosing not to.

"The district council and the police have attempted to work with the licensee with regards to ensuring they apply to their obligations under the [Sale of Liquor] Act. At this point in time I am not satisfied that they are doing so."

Ryan and Brotherton took over management of the struggling pub in December last year. With "little to no regulars" the place was on deaths door, Brotherton says.

But they have worked hard to steadily build it up to a "locals' pub" again. Trade is solid and with a major renovation project in full swing the future was looking bright, the couple say.

"People are devastated that we are going to close," Brotherton says.

Ryan and Brotherton have a 21-year lease on the hotel.

The owner of the building declined to comment.