Bottle-O Cumberland is seeking to increase its licence hours to 9am-10pm daily.
Its current hours are Monday and Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday to Saturday 10am-10pm and Sunday 10am-6pm.
The University of Otago, police, the chief licensing inspector, the Medical Officer of Health and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have all opposed the application.
Police raised concerns about the suitability of the applicant.
“The now shareholders of Kitt Enterprises Limited were found unsuitable at two other premises, albeit in different company names.”
The police’s other objection related to the store’s proximity to Castle St, “one of the worst areas for calls for police service in Dunedin”.
The university proctor argued that extending the store’s operating hours would undermine the area’s local alcohol policy, which explicitly rejected the establishment of new off-licensed premises.
“We believe this should also apply to any variations that result in increased availability of alcohol.”
The Medical Officer of Health referred to the past behaviour of the applicant, and also expressed concern about extending the hours in an area where there were higher rates of alcohol consumption later at night.
The chief licensing inspector agreed, arguing it posed risks in an already vulnerable area.
“Due to the high density of students in the immediate locality of these premises there is concern regarding harm caused because of high alcohol consumption.
“The area is known for street and flat parties with alcohol obtained from off-licence premises of which Bottle-O Cumberland is one such premises.
“Street parties are associated with high levels of broken glass and rubbish, multiple noise complaints associated with alcohol-fuelled party noise and anti-social behaviour, which results in harm to both people and properties.
“While this request is not outside of the current local alcohol policy guidelines, this specific nature and location of this premises calls into question the need for extended hours in an already high-risk, high alcohol consumption and, therefore, high alcohol-related harm area.”
In response, Kitt Enterprises submitted its host responsibility policies, which included mandatory and regular training of staff, strict checking policy for identification and no single serves of alcohol.
The hearing will take place on November 13.
matthew.littlewood@odt.co.nz
