Residents’ Group lead alcohol protest march
MEDIA RELEASE – 18/8/11
Residents’ Group lead the
first alcohol protest march in the South Island
The
Ilam and Upper Riccarton Residents’ Association are
leading a community protest against a new liquor outlet on
Saturday 20th August.
Imperial Discount Liquor Ltd, a
subsidiary of Foodstuffs, is planning to develop a new
Henry’s liquor outlet on the corner of Yaldhurst and
Avonhead Roads.
“This is right in the middle of a
residential area with Avonhead School, four pre-schools and
a children’s playground within two blocks” said Jane
Tyler-Gordon, spokesperson for the Residents’
Association.
“There has already been considerable
concern expressed by the local community about long standing
damage and mess from heavy drinking in the area, which has
brought about a City Council liquor ban very close to the
intended site”.
“It is insulting that Imperial
Discount Liquor is even thinking of opening up yet another
liquor outlet in the area when the harm from alcohol has
been so evident and there are already 10 other liquor
outlets in the area. What’s more, a new Foodstuffs
supermarket is also being planned within a few
blocks”.
“However, there is already considerable
opposition in the community about having any more liquor
outlets in the area and this opposition is growing by the
day.”
“Even though the law is so biased against
residents having a say on what happens in their own
community when it comes to liquor outlets, this application
by Imperial Discount Liquor is going to be fought with
everything the community has got” said Mrs
Tyler-Gordon.
The march will begin at Athol Terrace,
Upper Riccarton at 12.45pm and will be followed by speeches
at the Avonhead School at 1.30pm, including MPs Hon Jim
Anderton and Dr Kennedy Graham. Hon Gerry Brownlee will be
sending a special message to be read out at the
meeting.
ends