Another liquor store in the local shops has been approved

The GLBA chairperson Jennifer Northover says there is already an abundance of liquor outlets in the general area and the latest approval is a knock back to its hopes of creating a vibrant and family friendly shopping precinct.

“You can get all the wine or beer you want from the supermarket or spirits from the store at top of Chinaman’s Hill. Both of these outlets are within a couple of minutes walk from the site of the new store,” she says. “Having yet another liquor outlet in the area is going to make it very hard to create the sort of atmosphere we want. What’s the point of trying to create a healthy local community when you get run over by big business and the various local authorities every time?”

This was just another case of the views of local businesses and residents being ignored, she says. “The entire hearing process seems to be a sham. We get the same results every time, pretending that the locals have a say. It feels like the Bunnings situation but on a smaller scale.”

Local residents also fought hard (and failed) to stop Bunnings building a big box development in the midst of Arch Hill’s historic homes.

“We welcome the new cafes and restaurants in the Grey Lynn shopping centre that add to the variety and quality of hospitality options,” says Jennifer. “We don’t want to sanitise Grey Lynn. Its edgy character is what attracts people from all over the city. But it’s a balancing act and we’re also keen to make the shops more family friendly.”

The GLBA gave evidence against the liquor store application at the Auckland District Licensing hearing, alongside other locals against the proposal. “People from our community gave strong and factual evidence about current levels of alcohol misuse and how another liquor store in Surrey Crescent could make this worse,” says Jennifer.

Prior to the hearing the GLBA conducted an online survey that revealed 93% of respondents opposed a new liquor outlet.

“It seemed to us that our evidence as well as that of all the other objectors was given very little weight compared to the ‘non-opposition’ of the police, the licensing inspector and medical officer of health,” she says.

In their objections, locals drew attention to the numerous nearby sensitive locations, including schools, churches and housing for elderly or less advantaged. Regular incidences of liquor-fuelled disorder led to the Grey Lynn shops being designated
a liquor ban area by the Auckland City Council.

“We will be keeping a close eye on the impact the new liquor store has,” says Jennifer.
www.glba.co.nz