People power stops liquor licence

An application for a liquor licence in Cannons Creek was rejected in the Porirua District Court yesterday.

The application by Bhaveeni Dahya for a new outlet faced stiff protest from community groups which spoke of the high cost of alcohol-related harm and the high density of liquor stores in Porirua East.

In his ruling, Judge E.W. Unwin said he was overwhelmed by the public opposition to the liquor store.

The proposed outlet was one of four facing a backlash. In Roskill South the applicant withdrew its case before it reached court. Applications in Mairangi Bay and Oranga were also drawing strong opposition.