Sallies join booze shop objectors

A Wellington spice shop owner who wants to convert it into a bottle store has run into opposition from the Salvation Army – which is building a centre across the road offering treatment to recovering alcoholics.

Licence applicant Inder Brar wants to turn Silk Route Spices in Newtown into a liquor outlet called Black Bull Newtown, selling alcohol from 10am each day.

But he won’t be able to count on support from the Salvation Army, which is building its Wellington South Hope Centre a stone’s throw away in Riddiford St.

Army spokesman Major Clive Nicolson felt setting up another alcohol store in Newtown could have harmful implications.

‘‘It’s already a community that’s quite vulnerable. It has social housing quite close by, it has many disadvantaged sort of people that live in that area. We just don’t think that it’s a fitting place for another outlet.’’

The new centre will bring many of the army’s community services together, including its food bank, social workers, counselling and addiction services.

The ‘‘one-stop shop’’ will also house its church, early childhood centre and family store, and is due to open in February or March next year.

Last week, a Regional Public Health regulatory officer doorknocked neighbours of the proposed Black Bull site. The officer asked residents what they thought of the liquor store plan, and gave information on where they could lodge submissions.

Brar insisted there was support for his new venture, in a suburb already protected by a liquor ban.

‘‘I’m bringing some more income to the area because, as you can see from the shops down there, it’s been empty for over three years. No-one is coming in the area.

‘‘I don’t think anyone has a problem with the liquor shop.

‘‘People are going to buy [from me], but they are going to drink at home or something, not on the road.’’

Nearby retailer Antany Thomas, of Vaasana Traders, said he planned to lodge a submission against the licence. However, another retailer, who did not want to be named, had ‘‘no problem’’ with the proposal.

Newtown Community Centre also intends to lodge an objection before submissions close on Thursday.

Nicolson said Newtown was well-served by alcohol retailers, including New World supermarket, Big Barrel Newtown, and several eateries and bars.

‘‘There’s adequate supply there for those who choose to drink, but any more of it is going to exasperate the situation,’’ Nicolson said.

He said there was ‘‘strong research’’ that showed increased supply increased the risk of alcohol-related harm.

Medical Officer of Health Stephen Palmer said his office was legally required to advise locals about liquor licence applications, and the Newtown application was no exception.

‘‘The new act requires the three reporting agencies [police, the Medical Officer of Health and licensing inspector] to collaborate and work closely together. We will be communicating with police in the near future.’’

After the organisations have been briefed by an alcohol regulatory officer, a decision on whether to oppose the application will be made.

"We just don't think that it's a fitting place for another [liquor] outlet."

Salvation Army spokesman Major Clive Nicolson