Applications for new bottle stores at Bethlehem and Mount Maunganui have been declined after more than 450 objectors raised their concerns.
Applications to open a bottle store on State Highway 2 next to Hell Pizza in Bethlehem and another on Prince Ave in Mount Maunganui were heard at Tauranga District Licensing Committee hearings on September 25 and 26.
More than 450 people objected to the planned Bethlehem store - a record - and 18 people objected to the one in Mount Maunganui.
The news was lauded by youth worker and Bay of Plenty Times columnist Tommy "Kapai" Wilson.
"The people have spoken. Now that's a really good reason to crack some champagne.
"I'm as happy as a social worker on a Friday afternoon that might get less grief and less work from that decision. It's a victory for common sense," Mr Wilson said.
The decision to decline the application from Pankaj Goel to open a Super Liquor store in Bethlehem was made for a number of reasons, according to the committee's decision report.
The Sale and Supply of Liquor Act 2012 required the licensing committee and the applicant to consider the likelihood of harm to society generally or the community of opening a new bottle store.
"In our view this means he must have a good working knowledge of the community in which he plans to operate ... We noted with concern that Mr Goel had not engaged with the business or community organisations within Bethlehem to ascertain their views on his proposed business," the decision read.
Lack of plans or artist impressions made the committee doubt the store would primarily target the high end of the market as Mr Goel had claimed.
Noise from the combined carpark of the planned bottle store and Hell Pizza would be considerable and may attract younger clientele "out to pick up a feed and some drinks".
The location of four other off-licence stores within 300 metres of the site and the proximity of three schools and two places of worship also factored into the decision.
Bethlehem Town Centre marketing manager Leanne Brown said based on the reasons given in the report, declining the application was "clearly the right decision".
The committee said Inderpreet Singh, the man who planned to open the bottle shop in Mount Maunganui, had also not engaged with local businesses or community organisations about his plans.
Like Mr Goel's application, the committee also raised the issue of Mr Singh's lack of plans or artist impressions, potential noise levels and the number of other off-license outlets in the area. Mr Singh could not recall changes to the law since 2012 and therefore it was unlikely his staff would either.
Mount Mainstreet manager Peter Melgren said he was pleased the application for a new bottle store in Mount Maunganui was declined.
"It's the right decision for the right reasons. I'm certainly not unhappy," he said.
- Additional reporting Amy McGillivray