Have your say: Don't want it

WDC Councillor Sue Glen makes her opinion heard regarding the 'new' off license premises that will be opened in Onerahi Shopping Centre.

As a resident of Onerahi I am truly, bitterly disappointed at the decision of the Whangarei District Licensing Committee to allow a "new" off licence in a previously unlicensed premise in the Onerahi Shopping Centre.

This committee concluded that the amenity and good order of the locality will be reduced by more than a minor extent by the effects of the issue of the licence.

As I read the conditions of the licence I wondered why, as this new liquor shop will only upset the amenity and good order of the locality by more than a minor extent.

Why such a raft of conditions?

Briefly, then why are premises closed between 3pm and 4pm during school days as per Onerahi Primary School.

Why then is "drinking water" to be freely available to customers while alcohol is supplied as a free sample?

No single sales of beer or ready to drink (RTDs) of less than 440mls in volume except for craft beer, and shots or pre-mixed shots.

Ten per cent of beer shelf space to be low alcohol and to be priced equivalent to the cheapest regular beer - must be displayed.

No display of RTD products on the shop floor.

No more than 30 per cent of alcohol advertising in shop frontage window area.

And no advertising of alcohol products or brands outside the premises.

Why all these conditions if the impact will be reduced by more than a minor extent?

I am concerned the effects will be detrimental to our seaside suburb. This outlet is not a code red necessity, time will tell.

Sue Glen
WDC Councillor

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