Puketāpapa Local Board has won a bid to see stricter alcohol rules apply for a new off-licence in the area.
The Board has been working to reduce alcohol harm in the community, in line with the Healthy Puketāpapa Action Plan.
The local board opposed the proposal for a new off-licence Super Liquor store on Ellis Avenue, White Swan, and while the licence was granted most of the conditions the local board sought were adopted.
The local board participated in a hearing as an Objector for the first time, presenting before three District Licensing Commissioners on behalf of the community, and cross-examining the applicant.
Chair, Julie Fairey spoke on behalf of the local board.
“It’s clear that local people care deeply about reducing alcohol harm our communities,” she said.
“As a board we want to support our community to have a say in the sale of alcohol as we know its availability is linked to harm.
“What we learned from putting in an objection and participating in the full process is that very little weight is given to objections if you are not at the hearing, which is very difficult for residents to take part in.”
Conditions imposed on the off-licence mean it will not be able to sell single RTDs and external advertising other than the name of the shop will be banned.
This is the second time the local board has taken part in objecting to an off-licence application. In 2018, the local board supported a community campaign to oppose a new off-licence opening on Mt Albert Road in Three Kings. That application was ultimately withdrawn by the applicant.
The local board is now monitoring the renewals of off-licences in the area and intends to object to get stricter conditions for other shops where appropriate.
“We have sent in an objection for Donovan Liquor, which is near the Ellis Ave store but has far looser conditions, and we hope to achieve consistency across both outlets,” says Ms Fairey.
“We know that a lot of alcohol harm happens from liquor bought at off-licences, consumed in homes and in our parks, and we want to make a difference. This is one way that we can help our community’s concerns to be heard.”
