Schools oppose off-licence

BY COLIN WILLIAMS - UPPER HUTT LEADER

An off-licence liquor store proposed for Fergusson Dr, directly opposite St Patrick's College, Silverstream, would shut its doors at school finishing time, a Liquor Licensing Authority hearing in Upper Hutt has been told.

On all school days the "stand alone" business would close for the hour between 2.45pm and 3.45pm, the applicant, Bhavna Patel, told a recent licensing hearing at the Upper Hutt District Court.

"The store will be closed when school is finished," Mrs Patel said in her formal address to the one-day commission of inquiry.

"That's a good way of preventing children from accessing the store," she said.

An authority decision on whether an off-licence at 206 Fergusson Dr will be allowed to begin trading is expected mid-October, after Judge Bill Unwin formally reserved his decision.

Public advertising of the proposed off-licence attracted more than 130 submissions in opposition, including nearby schools St Patrick's Silverstream College and Silverstream Primary School.

Several community-based objectors detailed their opposition, collectively arguing against the suitability of the proposed business and questioning Mrs Patel.

Many of the issues in opposition were heard in detail, but may not be relevant to a decision which will made strictly under the Sale of Liquor Act.

Opening the application by Patel Holdings Ltd for a "stand alone bottle store," counsel Jonathan Scragg commented on the high number of objections.

But he also clearly drew attention to the fact there was "no opposition by the New Zealand Police, by the District Licensing Authority and the Regional Medical Officer of Health".

The submissions "appear primarily to be from the local community, including schools", Mr Scragg noted.
A seven-days-a-week convenience store is now operating at the Fergusson Dr location.

If the liquor licence is granted, Mrs Patel told the hearing that business would cease and the building used solely as an off-licence.

It would open seven days, from 9am to 9pm Sunday to Thursday, and 9am to 10pm on Friday and Saturday (with the afternoon closure).

The proposed off-licence's "fit" with the Silverstream suburban community, where a 24-hour alcohol ban operates, was a constant point in opposition.

"There are already two premises within 150 metres from the proposed new liquor store where alcohol can be purchased," resident and Hutt International Boys' School board of trustees chairman Marty Grenfell said.

"There is no need for another outlet; its presence would tip the balance from what is reasonable to an unreasonable number of outlets.

"The effect of clustering, or grouping liquor outlets in close proximity, changes a community," Mr Grenfell told the hearing.

"To issue another off-licence would undermine the views and wishes of the local community."

Mr Grenfell, a former police area commander for Wellington, spoke of his disappointment on hearing of the application, "knowing how these type of outlets have spread in other communities and changed not only the physical landscape but also the social balance ... overt advertising of cheap alcohol, the target hardening of premises, behavioural issues of young people who will undoubtedly purchase and abuse alcohol".

"I was also disappointed in the fact that key agencies like the [Upper Hutt] council, police, regional public health ... have been silent on the matter."

The "target hardening" of the premises was also a key point raised by resident Chris Kerr.

His first point was his disappointment at the installation of a security roller door at the Fergusson Dr store.

"Are you expecting troubles from undesirables before the application is even heard," he asked.

"No one else does this."

Mr Scragg asked Mr Kerr if his concern is aesthetic.

"That is partly correct," he replied, before agreeing with Mr Scragg there was nothing in the Sale of Liquor Act about aesthetics.

Judge Unwin said he agreed about roller door. "It's not a great look, it's third world," he said.