Liquor store project dropped after outcry
Shop opposite Salvation Army
A proposal to open a liquor store in Tawa’s main street has been dropped, after it faced a swathe of public opposition.
An application was made on June 3 by Inde Legacy Ltd to operate a bottle store, to be known as Tawa Liquor Centre at 172 Main Rd. The site was formerly the Tawa Fruit Mart.
The closing date for objections has passed. Kapi-Mana News is aware of several individuals and organisations who objected, meaning a District Licensing Committee hearing would have been triggered.
On Friday, however, applicant Armadeep Uppal confirmed he had dropped his application.
‘‘I was aware of people speaking out against it and I realise it’s not worth it,’’ he said.
‘‘I’m going to contact [Wellington City Council] and tell them I’m not going ahead. Maybe I’ll open a spice shop or something – I hope to have something open there one day.’’
Tawa College principal Murray Lucas said he was concerned about the proposal for a liquor store in such a central location.
‘‘I would have been personally disappointed if it had happened,’’ he said.
‘‘There’s enough evidence to suggest alcohol has a detrimental effect on society and I would think Tawa is already wellserved when it comes to places to buy it.’’
Wellington City councillor Malcolm Sparrow, who lives in Tawa, said there had been a lot of discussion on the subject on social media website Neighbourly, and he had received emails and calls about it.
‘‘The fact the store would be across from the Salvation Army, which helps people recover from alcohol addictions, and it’s proposed 11pm closing made residents nervous.’’
Sparrow understood at least 20 objections had been received by the licensing committee by late last week and he had heard of local churches rallying people to speak out against the proposed store.
Julie Rokotakala, from TawaLinden Anglican Church, said it would have been ‘‘abhorrent’’ to open a bottle store opposite the Salvation Army.
Having it in the main set of shops would normalise the selling of alcohol, she said.