30 Jul 2010

Dairy liquor licences on the line

11:09 am on 30 July 2010

A High Court decision may stop dairies and convenience stores being granted liquor licences as the Liquor Licencing Authority in Christchurch moves to stop what it calls ambitious dairies selling alcohol under the guise of being a grocery store.

The High Court in Christchurch has upheld a decision of last year not to renew an off-licence held by a Night 'N Day store in Christchurch.

Christchurch City Council liquor licencing team manager Paul Rogers believes the decision is likely to result in all stores, other than supermarkets and stand alone bottle stores, having their applications opposed.

When it originally opposed the renewal of the licence last year, the licencing authority said the debate about liquor abuse started when small stores were granted the right to sell alcohol.