‘Embarrassed’ by appeal
A GROUP of 17 Alexandra residents are appealing the Central Otago District Council’s decision to grant a liquor licence for a proposed Mexican restaurant near their homes.
James Emanuel is seeking a liquor licence to set up a branch of his restaurant chain, Amigos Mexican Grill, in Deel St, Alexandra. He already has restaurants in Cromwell and Wanaka.
The council’s district licensing committee granted the licence last month.
Mr Emanuel had sought an onlicence from 8am to 1.30am seven days a week, but the committee limited the sale of alcohol on the premises from 10am to 11pm from Sunday to Thursday and from 10am to midnight on Friday and Saturday, with the outdoor dining area licensed hours from 10am to 10pm seven days a week.
Thompson St resident Kevin Trainor, on behalf of 17 residents who live within 100m of the premises, has lodged an appeal with the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA).
‘‘We have no issues at all with Amigos coming to Alexandra . . . but it’s not the best fit for a quiet residential area.
‘‘Town is full of empty buildings, on the main street and Tarbert St. Don’t put it high up by residential housing,’’ he said.
The site where the restaurant would go is owned by McLellan’s Plumbing and Heating, which uses it as a showroom.
Building owner Rory McLellan said the showroom would be moved in the next few weeks to a new building next to it.
He was ‘‘disappointed’’ and ‘‘embarrassed’’ residents were taking the matter to a national body.
‘‘[Amigos] would lift the profile of the area and town centre and generate new business. Alexandra has been continually knocked for a lack of progress and we’re starting to lose. It is in decline unless we work together.’’
The appeal will be heard in Queenstown some time in the next six months.