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.

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