Best of the Web: Don't need another bottle store

The possible location of the new bottle store in Masterton. Photo / File

Many readers aren't keen on more bottle stores, according to comments on our story about a Whanganui man trying to open a store in Masterton for the second time.

Gurdev Sandhu was refused an off-licence by the Masterton District Licensing Committee in June but he is hoping the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority will overturn the decision.

The appeal was heard in Wellington last week but a new decision has not been made as yet.

Robin Lowe said: "If he is so hell bent on opening a liquor store he can go do it in Whanganui, we don't want or need another one in Masterton."

Natasha Davies said: "One bottle shop's enough for a little town, what's the point on having more than that? More to life than drinking."

Donna Steer said they should be building rehabs instead.

"It's like that here in Wanganui, new bottle store opened half a block from the Wanganui Girls' College ... we need less outlets and a good rise in the drinking age."

Lauren Kleparek said: "This is disgusting and perpetuating our town's drinking problems even more."

Some people suggested he open another type of store.

Erin Singh said: "I really don't think we need another bottle store, as it is there is already too many.

"Build something Masterton will actually benefit from, not something youths can chuck away their allowance on to get drunk and commit more crimes."

Shannon Steven said: "Ah, no more bottle stores. Wairarapa is lousy with them. Featherston has way too many -- I thought for a moment they were going to get rid of one, with the new shopping centre, but nope, there it is again.

"How about a nice garden store or something? I'd love a Palmers."

Some readers said it wouldn't make a difference.

Theresa MacArthur said: "We could have one or 20 plus outlets, wouldn't matter.

"If people wanna buy they buy ... "

Katie Winstanley remarked: "Isn't our motto 'beer up'!"

Helen Back said: "Yes, people so need to be told where, when and how to purchase alcohol and while we're at it how about we have a few laws involving the sale and wearing of Lycra ... "