Hundreds of locals in rural Bay of Plenty town Murupara are protesting against plans for its first ever liquor store.
Whakatane District Council will hear submissions from police, Bay of Plenty District Health Board and locals at a meeting on Friday.
A petition against the liquor store drew more than 400 signatures.
Community board member Mem Jenner said much of the work done to combat drug and alcohol problems in the town would be undone if the liquor store application was accepted.
"Murupara is a low socio-economic area - high depravation, ideal taget for these liquor outlets that like to open in areas like ours.
"High incidences of violence, drug use, alcohol abuse, family violence - [it is an] awesome community when you get all those factors out of it.
