The Auckland Council has voted to give Local Boards the power to oppose liquor licences in their areas.
At a governing body meeting today, council officers recommended that Local Boards should be able to provide views on liquor licence applications but not have the power to object.
They argued that this would prevent any public conflict between Local Boards and the governing body.
But a majority of councillors rejected this argument and voted for an amendment by councillor Cathy Casey to give Local Boards the power to object.
Local Boards, particularly in South Auckland, have wanted greater powers to control the number and location of liquor outlets in their communities.
