Popular Ponsonby bar Longroom says it recommends people only 22 and older frequent its bar, as younger people change the atmosphere.

One of Auckland's leading bars has banned all punters under the age of 22.

Longroom, on Ponsonby Rd, no longer has the welcome mat out for younger drinkers – even those of legal drinking age.

Co-owner Richard Bagnall said the decision had been made in order to protect the bar's liquor licence, which was being threatened by 18 to 20 year olds entering the premises too intoxicated.

SAM HEWAT/ FAIRFAX MEDIA The Longroom in Ponsonby has adopted a new R-22 age restriction on patrons wishing to enter the popular night club. INSET: The R22 sign has been erected on the front door causing some frustration.

An R22 sign has been posted on the bar's front door, causing frustration and confusion for younger would-be drinkers queuing to get in – only to be barred at the entrance.

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Bagnall said the new age limit was loosely enforced.

"If you were with a group of friends who are 23, and you are 21, we wouldn't turn you away."

The change had not been announced publicly, partly because the bar operated in a non-discriminative way, to not ruin a group's night if only one person could not enter the club, he added.

The change had been positive for the slightly older audience of the bar, as well as bartenders and bouncers.

Alicia Doel, 24, said the behavioural gap between 18-year-olds and those 22 and older had an adverse effect on her night out.

"I love going out and having a good time with my friends but I don't want to be surrounded by people who act like children."

The age restriction is mainly enforced on a Friday and Saturday night, but the bar is happy to take bookings and host functions for customers who are under 22 during these peak times.

Bagnall said Longroom had always had a regular older crowd and the change would keep it that way.

Dr Nikki Taylor, Director of Alcohol Healthwatch, said the bar should be able to provide measures to prevent an extreme level of intoxication in the first place.

She believed the problem came from a combination of cheap liquor prices at off licences, and New Zealand's pre-loading culture.

Taylor did not believe raising the age restriction would prevent this.

Other bars in the area are not believed to have adopted Longroom's stance.

This story was first published by Te Waha Nui and is republished with permission.

- Audio courtesy of Radio NZ