A South Auckland community has won its battle against a new liquor store opening in its neighbourhood.
The Auckland District Licensing Committee (DLC) has declined an application from SSB 2024 to revive an off-licence bottle shop at 70 Russell Rd, Manurewa.
The site, which is the old Black Bull Liquor Manurewa, is situated close to 16 early childhood centres and three schools – the closest, Manurewa Intermediate, is directly next door.
There are also five alcohol outlets within a 1km radius in the area – one of the most deprived areas in New Zealand.
The application had received 49 objections from residents, police, and the medical officer of health and inspector.
Resident Aimalefoa Patelesio Ioane said when the previous store closed, they noticed a huge improvement on their streets.
“When the [old] liquor store was open, I would never let my kids go to the dairy alone,” she said. “Last month I let my 4-year-old walk there with his older siblings, something I never would have allowed previously.”
She said the streets were now quieter and peaceful, and they had seen a decline of public drinking and alcohol-fuelled violence in the area.
In its decision released on Tuesday, the committee noted the applicant wasn’t suitable to operate an off-licence in the area.
Company director Satinderjit Singh Batth had not consulted with the community, and had not felt the need to when pressed on it during a hearing in September.
Batth maintained he had a long-standing connection to South Auckland, having lived in the area for many years. He also cited his experience at Liquor Centre Hall Ave in Māngere, which was owned by his father and which he managed for over a decade as evidence of his familiarity with the industry and local community.
Committee chairperson Gavin Campbell ruled that while Batth was not obliged to consult the community, he appeared unaware of its concerns. The application drew numerous public objections, including a demonstration outside the shop in August.
According to the Auckland Council’s Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), the site for the proposed shop was in a Neighbourhood Centre Zone, which has added protection against new off-licences.
Campbell said the DLC had no doubt Batth was an experienced manager and was well qualified, however he did not meet the extended suitability test, given the vulnerability of the area.
“We do not see that reliance on experience and being raised in South Auckland alone is a sufficient argument to rebut the provisions of the LAP.”
Documents from September’s hearing highlighted concerns from residents, who spoke about the deprivation level of the area and exposure of tamariki and rangatahi to alcohol.
Christina Morunga drew from personal experience, outlining matters like drinking on the streets, litter and persistent begging.
Ezekiel Robson’s primary concern was the proposed location.
“There are plenty of other places to buy alcohol in Manurewa. I believe that alcohol from existing outlets already has a negative effect on the area.”
Approached by Local Democracy Reporting, Batth said he had not seen the decision and was not able to comment.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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