Police have refused to confirm the name of the man or the venue due to ongoing investigations but will allege the 39-year-old owner of the Beardy St bar supplied fraudulent details to obtain the licence.

It comes after the man submitted an application to licensing police in April which was granted. Armidale crime manager Detective Inspector Ann Joy said since that date police had been called to a number of alcohol-related incidents.

“Police are working in conjunction with the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority with respect to the licensing issues,” she said.

But the investigation took another turn when the owner was arrested just after 6.30pm on Friday. Following the arrest, police conducted two raids where they seized financial documents and computer equipment. 

The man has since been charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception.

The bar remains open for business.

A spokesperson for the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority confirmed the licence transfer for the bar was provisionally approved on April 12.

“But (as of December 6) the required information to complete the application has not been received by the authority,” the spokesperson said.

“Subsequent to information provided by police on Friday, December 6, the Authority has asked the applicant to provide specific information to it that is relevant to his suitability to hold a liquor licence.”