The St George Trust owns Bardeaux, Barmuda, Harry's, Sky Bar and Minibar in Queenstown and Woody's and Barluga in Wanaka.
The saga began in 2006, when the Queenstown Lakes District Council reviewed its liquor licensing policy.
Despite a majority of submissions - primarily from licensees and hospitality industry workers - supporting round-the-clock drinking, the council opted for a 4am trading restriction on bars throughout the Lakes District. It was introduced in May last year.
Trust owner Al Spary and others appealed to the Liquor Licensing Authority in October, but the decision was upheld by the authority. Mr Spary then appealed to the High Court.
Justice French, who heard the case in Christchurch on May 12, has overturned that appeal, and the 4am curfew will take effect from August 4.
Justice French said there did not appear to be any dispute as to the existence of concerns about alcohol abuse in Queenstown, nor any dispute those concerns were "well founded".
"The issue is as to the effectiveness of the policy to assist with reducing the problem. The [Liquor Licensing] Authority found the reduction of liquor abuse might well be achieved if there was a common closing time for all licensed premises."
Speaking to the Otago Daily Times yesterday, Mr Spary said he was not about to give up.
"We are very surprised by the decision. Our QC [Austin Forbes, of Christchurch] is quite adamant there are significant grounds for an appeal.
"Accordingly, I have instructed him to immediately lodge an appeal. We are willing to take this fight all the way until natural justice and the correct outcome has been achieved.
"I'm very confident that this latest decision will be overturned and the vast majority of residents will get the freedom they're entitled to," Mr Spary said.
