Wellington, March 20 NZPA - A Christchurch bar has been fined after turning away a tattoo artist last year because of his moko.

Mark Kopua complained to the Human Rights Commission when he was refused entry to the Bourbon Bar by a security guard who misinterpreted his tattoo as a gang mark, One News reported.

The commission fined the bar $500.

Owner Andrew Geldard said the fine was fair and he regretted any upset caused.

The bar now allows religious and cultural tattoos.

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