31 Jul 2010

Alcohol sale decision 'may pre-empt Govt changes'

6:50 am on 31 July 2010

The Retailers Association fears liquor licensing authorities are trying to pre-empt Government changes to alcohol laws.

The High Court has confirmed the right of the Liquor Licensing Authority not to renew the off-licence of a Christchurch Night 'N Day convenience store, in a decision expected to guide how applications by such stores are treated in the future.

Retailers Association chief executive John Albertson says licensing agencies need to be careful they do not try to change the rules before the Government has a chance to clarify its own position on the sale of alcohol.

However the Alcohol Advisory Council's chief executive, Gerard Vaughan, says the Sale of Liquor Act never provided for liquor licences to be given to such outlets.

He says its aim was to allow grocery stores, such as supermarkets, the ability to let customers buy alcohol at the same time as food.