Liquor shop unwanted
A proposed new liquor store in an alcoholfree zone close to university halls has prompted criticism it will capitalise on ‘‘vulnerable’’ student drinking habits.
Some residents in Ilam have said setting up an off-licence within walking distance of University of Canterbury student living is ‘‘irresponsible’’.
But the owner of the proposed new store, Jugraj Singh, said Ilam Wine Beer & Spirits will cater to higher income earners and believes the objections to the new store are likely driven by competitors in the area. The new liquor store will be situated at a corner shopping centre at 136 Ilam Rd, within a 1km radius of at least three different types of student accommodation, and close to supermarkets and two other liquor outlets.
Paul McMahon, senior project worker at Community Action on Youth And Drugs (CAYAD), said it was a poor location for a liquor store, regardless of how it may be run.
‘‘The liquor ban is in place because of the incidence of public drunkenness and alcohol-related harm in the area. We have heard from members of the community, who have first-hand accounts of alcoholrelated incidents, vandalism, and rubbish in the area,’’ he said.
Jonathon Reddiford, chairman of the Ilam & Upper Riccarton Residents’ Association, said he had been fielding calls and emails from irate residents since the liquor licence application was filed.
‘‘I had probably 50 people contact me who are very angry and not happy about this. I haven’t heard one person say they don’t mind it,’’ he said.
Concerns raised by residents range from an increase in alcohol abuse among the student population to increased pressure on the limited car parking in the area.
Many of the residents have filed formal objections with the Christchurch City Council (CCC), Reddiford said.
A spokeswoman said the University of Canterbury was in the process of raising a formal objection to the liquor licence application.
‘‘In our view, the addition of a further licenced premise so near to the university, halls of residence, and many student flats risks increasing levels of noise and alcohol-related incidents in the local community.’’ Singh, director of Brothers Liquor Limited, which filed the application for a liquor licence, believed the objections raised came from competitors and anti-alcohol organisations, rather than local residents. He said he had spoken to a number of residents in the area and was told alcohol-related incidents and excessive noise were not problems they experienced.
‘‘If students want to drink, they can get alcohol anywhere else. There is no basis for saying this liquor store will lead to more drinking,’’ Singh said.
Singh said while he would be selling beer and RTDs, he would not be targeting students by offering cut-price liquor.
His plan was to stock an extensive range of high quality and upmarket wines, beers and spirits and ‘‘educate people how to enjoy wine in moderation’’.
By Monday afternoon, CCC had received 26 public objections to the application. They close on September 29.