A dispute over public safety and community wellbeing is at the heart of a license renewal challenge for Red Door Liquor Store in Gisborne, New Zealand. Kaiti School principal Billie-Jean Potaka Ayton voiced strong objections at a District Licensing Committee hearing on Monday, describing the area around the store as having become a gathering place for disruptive behavior.
Concerns Raised Over Public Space
Potaka Ayton told the committee that the bus station near the store, located across from Kaiti School, frequently transforms into what she called a “local night club or day club.” She reported seeing groups of men with speakers, discarded alcohol containers and instances of public urination and sleeping in the area, particularly as students are leaving school.
Concerns extend beyond the bus station, with reports of groups congregating on nearby grass verges and at the mall toilet block. A nanny reportedly experienced verbal harassment while walking a child past the bus shelter, prompting a report to the police.
Multiple Objections and Store Response
Objections to the license renewal were also formally lodged by Medical Officer of Health Dr Douglas Lush and the district council’s district licensing inspectorate, Dr Vincenzo Petrella. Yet, the store’s representation stated its commitment to compliance with the relevant act and highlighted that police initially opposed the renewal but withdrew their opposition following discussions and implemented changes.
These changes included the installation of additional “alcohol-free zone” signage by the Kaiti Hub landlord, a trespass policy for “unacceptable behaviour,” and increased CCTV coverage. The store also removed a product called Scrumpy from sale and agreed to restrictions on single sales of beer, RTDs, and shots, as well as a minimum price of $6.49 for a 500ml unit of beer.
Legal counsel for other objectors, Dr Liz Gordon, emphasized the importance of incorporating tikanga Māori into the proceedings and the relevance of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, given Kaiti’s predominantly Māori community. The social deprivation of the area was also noted by both the licensing inspector and the Medical Officer of Health.
Decision Pending
The District Licensing Committee, comprised of Pat Seymour, Roger Matthews, and Paulette Goddard, visited the bus stop on Sunday and observed debris, though it was noted this could have been present for some time. A decision on the license renewal is expected within 15 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific concerns did the Medical Officer of Health raise?
The Medical Officer of Health’s submission stated that alcohol sold from the store may contribute to significant harm, including domestic and sexual violence, foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and road deaths and accidents.
Did the police support the initial objection to the license renewal?
The police initially filed opposition to the license renewal but withdrew it after engaging with the applicant and observing implemented changes.
What changes did the liquor store produce in response to concerns?
The store removed the product Scrumpy from sale, restricted single sales of certain alcoholic beverages, implemented a minimum price for beer, and increased security measures like CCTV and a trespass policy.
How might the outcome of this case influence similar licensing decisions in other communities facing comparable challenges?
