An Auckland local board leader says communities are giving up contesting liquor licence applications because of the level of evidence needed.
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Manurewa Board head Angela Dalton said a process that was meant to be community-friendly seemed to demand expert opinions.
She said community objections were given little weight by the District Licensing Board in approving a new liquor store in Clendon.
Ms Dalton said it seemed communities wouldn't be heard unless they presented expert evidence, but they couldn't afford that, and wouldn't know how to find the right expert in any case.
She has written to Justice Minister Amy Adams to express concern about how licence decisions are made.