Crossword Genius

Where officials try to get through to public bar (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prevent

'bar' is the definition.
(I know that bar is a more specific form of the action block)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for prevent that I've seen before include "Stop (an action)" , "Keep from arising" , "Stop, hinder" , "Thwart" , "Obviate" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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