The resource consent application was filed by the company Cowboy QT, which is owned by Auckland-based Leo Molloy, a former jockey turned bar owner.
The company wants to operate a bar named Cowboy in a Church St building as late-night licensed premises.
The bar will be located at the rear of the building, facing towards Searle Lane, situated opposite Barmuda in an area housing several other bars and eateries.
The application seeks to extend the hours of operation to include the time between 11pm and 7am.
Lakes Environmental regulatory and corporate manager Lee Webster said the liquor licensing policy of the Queenstown Lakes district restricted trading to 4am, and consent to operate after this time would also require a liquor licence for those early morning hours, which Lakes Environmental cannot grant under the existing policy.
"Any exception will require a change to the policy, which can be a lengthy process for the council, so we are not likely to see a bar operating after 4am any time soon," Mr Webster said.
When the council implemented its policy to restrict the hours of trading last year, it was challenged before the Liquor Licensing Authority and later before the High Court, both of which upheld the policy.
Good Group Hospitality chief executive Russell Gray, who had opposed the blanket closing time, was not hopeful the policy would be changed.
"I would be surprised if consent is granted - but I would certainly not be disappointed if this application was successful," he said.
Bardeaux bar at the Eureka Arcade bordering Searle Lane, which is part of the Good Group, was the last Queenstown bar to hold a 24-hour licence, and Mr Gray maintains the town's bars should be allowed to set their own opening hours, "as long as it is done responsibly".
"There is no co-relation between the issues in the community and the hours a responsible operator trades," he said.
The police had strongly supported the council in its policy to restrict trading for the bars.
Queenstown Police Liquor Licensing Sergeant Keith Newell said he had not seen the specific application, but the police had not changed their stance at all.
Mr Molloy has been behind several pubs and restaurants in Auckland, including Euro Restaurant and the Fat Lady's Arms.
He could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
