Ruling could impact on rural communities
Assn of Community Retailers say a court ruling could mean rural communities would have to drive vast distances to buy liquor
A rural store owner believes small towns could suffer as a result of a precedent-setting decision on alcohol sales.
Christchurch's Victoria Night 'n Day Foodstore has failed in a High Court appeal against the loss of its liquor licence. The decision is expected to mean fewer licences are granted and only genuine grocery or liquor stores will be able sell alcohol. Convenience stores or dairies would lose out.
Dipal Desai of the Association of Community Retailers says if her Hinds store could not sell alcohol it would impact on customers, who would have to drive 15 kilometres to Ashburton to buy liquor. She says the retailing environment has changed and smaller convenience stores have a greater role in communities.
The Alcohol Advisory Council has welcomed the decision. It says the licensing of convenience stores has become too far removed from the intent of the Sale of Liquor Act.
