Last month’s Star had an opinion piece regarding the new liquor store in Featherston. It implied that somehow Featherston residents had been caught napping in the granting of this additional liquor license and that Martinborough people must be vigilant to ensure that this doesn’t happen in their town. This gives the impression that if enough people object to a liquor license application then it can be declined. Unfortunately this is not the case.
The Sale of Liquor Act is quite prescriptive with regards to what can and can’t be considered when granting a license. Whether a town wants or needs another outlet is not on the list.
The Featherston application did receive objections along these lines but they did not meet the criteria under Section 32 of the Sale of Liquor Act therefore could not be considered and the license was granted. Section 32 states that “any person who has a greater interest in the application than the public generally may object to the grant of an off-licence. This includes neighbours or facilities close by.
When considering an application the District Licensing Agency must consider such things as the suitability of the applicant, the trading hours and what else is being sold. Density of outlets and trade competition cannot be taken into account.
Changes to the Sale of Liquor Act soon to take effect will allow us to develop local liquor policies. These will enable us to set community thresholds and expectations around liquor licensing so look out for the opportunity to get involved in this conversation in the New Year.
The demise of the Kia Ora Dairy was greeted with disbelief but how many of those who mourn its parting actually ever used the business? Not many I suspect otherwise its owner would not have looked to a more lucrative form of retail.
Adrienne Staples
