Residents want say in liquor licence decisions

Manukau residents have asked MPs for legal standing to object to proposed liquor store licences in their neighbourhoods.

A year ago, three Manukau residents were killed within days of each other - liquor store owner Navtej Singh was shot, 80-year-old Yang Yin Ping was bashed in a home invasion and Joanne Wang was run down by a car outside the Manukau mall for her handbag.

On Wednesday, a group called the Manurewa Action Team made a plea to the select committee examining proposals to tighten liquor sale laws.

"Since 1990, the number of pubs, bars and bottle shops in Manukau City has increased by over 300 per cent," said the submission presented by Manukau city councillor Daniel Newman and community board member Angela Dalton.

"In communities such as Manurewa, the establishment of these outlets has had a devastating effect on suburban communities.

"Yet the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 prevents those residents who are adversely affected by the operation of bottle shops, from objecting to the licence application."

The team supported aspects of the Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill's aim to amend laws in light of recent reviews.

Two of the proposals are for Local Alcohol Plans (LAPs) to regulate the sale and supply of alcohol and to restrict small grocery outlets selling it.

However, Manukau Action Team said community boards should be given the legal mandate to form LAPs and for residents to be able to object even if a licence bid appears to satisfy conditions of a LAP.