Federal Independent MP Bob Katter has been refused entry to a NSW pub after failing to provide proof of his COVID-19 vaccinations.

Mr Katter tried to enter the Tamworth Hotel on Sunday while in the country town to discuss challenges facing regional and rural Australia.

“I’ve had both of my COVID vaccinations, but I don’t have a smart phone so I can’t check-in using the state government app, but I did give them options to verify,” the MP for the Queensland seat of Kennedy said on Monday.

“However, the local media and police was called. This is un-Australian. We have a right to associate and assemble.

“Full praise to the local police officer carrying out their duties in a very respectful manner.”

A NSW police spokeswoman said officers were called to the railway station across the road. Officers were not involved in Mr Katter being refused entry to the pub.

Tamworth Hotel co-owner Luke Prout said Mr Katter tried to use his federal parliamentary pass to get into the pub.

“We’ve had worse excuses than that,” he said.

Mr Prout said the Queensland MP refused to provide documentation showing he was vaccinated.

The pub stressed it did not call the police about Mr Katter wanting to get inside.

NSW police said officers were called to the railway station across the road about 3pm after reports of people drinking in an alcohol-free zone.

Some in the group were given warnings, but no further action was taken.

– AAP