2nd April 2012

Residents say no to another liquor store in Orakei

Orakei residents are furious that yet another liquor store is planned to open in their area in close proximity to five existing liquor outlets.

Goodwill Enterprises Ltd, also known as My Liquor Store, have applied for a license to open a liquor outlet at 168 Kepa Road, Orakei. The diary next door to the proposed store already sells wine and beer while a further five liquor stores are situated between 400 metres to one kilometre away.

“Many of our kids, our teenagers, walk past the site where the proposed liquor store will go, on their way to and from school or study. To have our kids exposed to yet another alcohol outlet on a daily basis is just not good enough” says Tarati Blair-Hunt, a mother of four from Orakei.

Local residents have started a petition to oppose the new store with significant interest shown from other local residents, churches and community organisations in the area. “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realise another liquor store in our neighbourhood is not going to be good. We’re really concerned about the impact of alcohol harm on our community and the crime, violence and car accidents associated with this” says Papa Nahi of nearby Mission Bay. Concerned residents contacted Councillor Cameron Brewer who told them “it's long overdue that the Government is amending the liquor licensing legislation to ensure the community's view has to be taken into account when such controversial off-licenses are heard by the DLA [District Licensing Authority]”. “We’re pleased to hear this has caught the attention of local government and urge them to do something about this. We have enough to deal with and we don't want another liquor shop. There are ample outlets already in this area, that is quite enough,” says Miss Nahi.

Locals have until Tuesday 3rd April to submit an objection to the proposed store by sending a letter to the District Licensing Authority, Auckland Council, Private Bag 92300, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142.

ENDS

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