Liquor store application not welcome
An application for a liquor store in Washdyke has frustrated a neighbouring business owner.
The application, from Christchurch-based Gulati Brothers Enterprises Ltd, whose sole director is Kunal Gulati, was made on September 15. The application to the Timaru District Licensing Committee is for an offlicence to be known as Canterbury Liquor.
Business owner Brendon Chittock, whose family trampoline arena FlipOut is next door at 147 Hilton Highway, is unimpressed.
‘‘It’s not very appropriate to be next door to a kids’ facility.’’
If the application is granted, it will be the second new liquor outlet in Timaru, with a Super Liquor shop set to open soon on the former site of Norfolk Motors in North St.
Chittock did not see why there was a need for so many liquor outlets when supermarkets sold alcohol.
‘‘We don’t really need another one.’’
He thought the council should inform neighbouring businesses of any application otherwise many would not know about it, preventing them from objecting within the 15 working days time frame.
Chittock questions why anyone would want to establish a bottle store in an industrial area.
‘‘Perhaps I would understand if local people were starting a business but people from out of town, it seems a bit bizarre to me.’’
Notice of applications are advertised on the Timaru District Council website.
The Washdyke application is for an off-licence from Monday to Sunday 10am to 9pm.
Any objections must be made in writing within 15 working days of September 15 to the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Timaru District Council.