New Zealand / Regional

Community urged to fight liquor ruling

10:04 am on 19 June 2014

Auckland's Medical Officer of Health is publicly urging others to appeal against a bottle store that's earmarked to go opposite a school gate.

Schools on the Southern Cross Campus, the Mangere-Otahuhu local board and other community groups are all against the store, but despite the opposition it was approved by the Auckland District Licencing Committee.

Mangere-Otahuhu local board has voted unanimously to appeal against the ruling.Chairwoman Lydia Sosene says it was important for the board to make a stand and represent the views of the community.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service opposed the licence application.

Medical Officer of Health Denise Barnfather said the service would not be appealing against the decision but she hoped community groups would, and that they would be successful.

Alcohol survey

Meanwhile, Auckland Council is being told it should take heed of a survey suggesting strong community support for tightening alcohol restrictions.

The Auckland Regional Public Health Service surveyed 800 residents in October and November last year and found a majority supported restricting trading hours.

It coincides with public submissions starting on Auckland's draft Local Alcohol Policy.

Dr Barnfather said people surveyed wanted central city bars to close earlier than the proposed 3am.