Warehouse to withdraw alcohol sales

The Warehouse has decided to stop liquor sales at its stores following a decision this week by the Liquor Licensing Authority to turn down its application for a full off-licence selling beer, wine and spirits at its Albany store.

In its decision, the authority said it was a serious concern that The Warehouse had applied to have the entire premises licensed.

That raised worries about liquor displayed all over the store, which was "quite untenable".

The Warehouse today said it would withdraw alcohol from the six stores it was currently sold in.

Managing director Ian Morrice said the authority's decision was "very disappointing" but was not the only determining factor.

"The Warehouse Cellars concept has higher operating costs due to being a supervised area in-store and was developed in association with the improved customer offer of The Warehouse Extra."

The Warehouse recently announced it was axing the Extra store format.

It was expected to cost $1 million to withdraw the Cellars concept.

The withdrawal programme will begin after Christmas.

- NZPA