Lots of debate in local communities about liquor stores opening all over the place. What do you think?
We are going to try and get a poll up on Red Alert on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Most will be serious some will be lighter.
Should local residents have more ability to block liquor stores opening in their neighbourhoods?
- Yes (72%, 208 Votes)
- No (28%, 82 Votes)
Total Voters: 290
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I voted yes because people have a right to choose what is in their back yard. Just as long as it isn’t the result of pressure from some kind of creepy temperance league.
Agreed Spud, if they don’t want the store there, they won’t shop there and the owner will go out of business.
No, it will just encourage further Nimby(not in my back yard) mentality. This will make it more difficult for local business people to set up a legitimate business, as the costs of such a battle are probably too much for most potential liquor store owners.
Second to this, the only groups of residence likely to have the financial means or the skills to contest such a legal battle reside wealthy suburbs. In the poorest areas (where alcohol causes the most harm) local residence would be far less likely to object to a new liquor license.
Liquor licenses should be granted centrally, according to a uniform process taking into account all the issues in a fair and balanced manner. Allowing a retired Remuera solicitors to battle the opening of a new wine shop (Because her son owns the one down the road) is undemocratic and waste of money.
Isn’t it funny how certain things – takeaway branches, liquor stores, pokey machines and lotto outlets all concentrate around poorer suburbs.
Reducing access to alcohol back to the levels of 10-15 years ago might be a good thing.
Spud you’ll still get your beers without too much trouble.
And takeaways, not that I have them often, but cheap tasty goodness …
Takeaways aren’t cheap and only rarely tasty Spud.
Haha yeah I like my Asian takeaways + had fish and chups on Wed night
It’s not actually that funny Loota. Maybe these establishments open in certain areas because they feel they can make the best living in these areas. Surely this is good economic sense?
If liquor stores need opening, it’s because there is a market and because someone else is not there doing it already.
That is, the local supermarket or tavern is either not there, not selling off licence or not open.
I feel there is a lack of planning in the development of our cities and suburbs with the loss or lack of truly local amenities, close enough for walking access. My smaller town doesn’t have the problem of small liquor outlets- its amenities are close enough, save for the well-off areas on the hill where all have cars.
I’d hate having access available only to the car owners.
The main problem as I see it are the hours of opening and the ease of access to the intoxicated or minors. That is an enforcement issue.
Simon said:
No doubt for the business its good economic sense, for the people living there maybe not so much, also just questioning whether or not its good social sense.
Suggestion for future polls – make sure the question is clear. And either provide sufficient background info so the question can get an informed response or make sure the voters don’t need some specialist knowledge to answer.
To clarify: the question says “should local residents have more ability…” Suggests they have some ability already and if people voting don’t know what that ability is (and it will vary across the country), their votes will not be well informed.
If the question said “should local residents have the ability…” it would work better.
In America Alcohol has been banned in certain counties in some of the southern states. This led to an increase in crashes caused by drunk drivers driving out of the county to get their alcohol then to come back home.
But I still voted yes because it’s not a total blanket over the alcohol. Instead of driving people out of the town it might drive them to the local pub instead
or maybe the community already has one liquer store and doesn’t feel like they need another.
It’s practical but if alcohol restrictions go much further than this it just creates other problems.
“It’s practical but if alcohol restrictions go much further than this it just creates other problems.” Agreed,
Why just liquor stores? Personally I would be fine with a bottle shop on our street, but I’d object to a pet store. Selling animals is unethical in my opinion, and the foodstuffs that pet stores need to stock tends to attract rats and other problems.
My point: If a policy stopping one type of store is valid then shouldn’t residents have a say on all types or store or business that plans to open in their area?
Block no, set tighter criteria than the national minimum yes.
I voted yes, although my stance on an issue like this may depend on the method of consultation and decision making.
Yes, but to what extent I’m not sure. Hmmm.
Oliver, one thing at a time, and a specific proposal on a specific subject does not have to mean open season on everything under the sun.
Animal welfare issue != People welfare issue.
The is a wider context to the growth in liquor stores, usually small suburban ones. There is all ways a need for businesses for new migrants , who want to be owner operators and some casual staff.
This happens because of language difficulties, cultural reasons ( observant muslims), lack of qualifications relevant to NZ, and even disdain for manual or factory work.
All existing small business’s are likely to be in new migrants hands, so you have to create new ones. Those who are experienced will find a vacant small shop, spend the money for the planning processes, do the fit out, get the place stocked and then on sell. Often there is a lot of borrowed money, not through the normal channels and while business is steady, there isnt a lot to be made but can serve as employment for relatives who also wish to migrate.
The paradox is that a lot of new migrants arent especially heavy drinkers.
It would be interesting to compare parts of Auckland which have many liquor outlets to say West Auckland where there are restrictions due to licensing trust control
Is there any real differences in the extent of alcohol abuse?
You misunderstand Loota, my comment had nothing to do with animal welfare and everything to do with the topic at hand. It is inappropriate to be selective about one type of business with this type of policy.
@David Farrar Exactly. Which is what the Law Commission has essentially recommended. It’s about giving communities greater control over local liquor licensing, often thru better council planning.
We’re still waiting on the govt’s response to Sir Geoffrey’s 153 recommendations…..
Oliver – alcohol is a legally controlled and limited product. Like guns, cigarettes and medical drugs. Additional regulation is required regarding their sale and distribution, has been for a long time and should be expected.
“Additional regulation is required regarding their sale and distribution, has been for a long time and should be expected”
- Temperance kill joy legislation
@Oliver – I know your point wasn’t about animals, but argh some of those pet stores
I’ve seen budgies trapped in cadges in a dark cove with little light. 
Could somebody please shed some light on what the regulations are at the present time for opening liquor stores in residential areas?
It should be pointed out that at the time of the Los Angeles riots in 1992, South Central LA had more liquor stores than the entire state of Pennsylvania.
Liquor stores open because people want them.
Don’t like them? Don’t give them your business….simple.But don’t resort to the tired old fascism the left so love of banning and forcing people to comply with “common good” rubbish.
@Trev – I love you man
He wants to keep it 18 
!!!
“Surely this is good economic sense?”
The proft margin on marajuana and ecstasy is pretty good but we say, er no that’s not good for society.
I KNOW alcohol isn’t illegal but frankly the level of damage to people and property associated with it puts it in a similar category to drugs in my opinion.
Only for alkies (who would just turn to something else if they couldn’t get alcohol) and munters who take it too far.
Sorry Spud, it’s not only “alkies” and “munters” that cause problems to property and people because of drink.
Which category do you put the King’s College and other school kids in?
The man who goes to the pub (or woman) has a great time with mates, but alcohol makes them angry, smash some stuff, even their loved ones? Are they munters?
Frankly it’s a form of self medication. An anesthetized (sp) nation. I’m not one of your creep temperance people but I dont like hypocrisy and alcohol causes as many social problems and costs on society as drugs its just one is lega and so people think it’s ok.
“The man who goes to the pub (or woman) has a great time with mates, but alcohol makes them angry, smash some stuff, even their loved ones? Are they munters?” – I ask myself what are they drinking, some people are fine on wine and beer, but the minute they get into the spirits they turn nasty. There are some people who have personal problems that come out when they drink, if there is a pattern forming of violence then that person should see psych advice. I wouldn’t say munters, could even be caused by a head injury.
“Which category do you put the King’s College and other school kids in?” Without knowing them personally I’ll take a stab – ignorant!
When I was a teenager I had the alcohol poisoning talk , teenagers need to learn about percentages and quantities! You know, those hand held breathalisers might have come in handy. – I liken it to a person getting behind the wheel with no licence and then speeding.
“Frankly it’s a form of self medication” Yep, it is an analgesic and provides a pick me up for the ill. And it has fewer side effects than tranquilisers.
I could never call you creepy – you’re one of my favourite ladies
Alcohol is fine for most people and the rest need to rethink their ideas.
Aw Tracey
I don’t want to fight with you 
Truce?
Hmmmmmm…since when was taking steps which are clearly in the ‘common good’ (as opposed to the good of corporate interests) “rubbish”?
I mean, why have speed limits? Blood alcohol limits? Are they tired old ‘fascist rubbish’ as well?
Come on try a bit harder mate.
Just had a weekend in Auckland (under sufferance) Because of this debate I took special notice of the proliferation of liquor outlets in the suburbs. Most look untidy and unkempt and as rough as guts. most seem to be run by Indians which I guess makes their business look as though it would be more at home in Calcutta. If I was Super Liquor or Liquorland I would be ashamed to have these places as part of my business. But I guess profit and sales volume rules. Herein lies a big part of our problem.