Community fights back over liquor

Clendon residents, Sth Auck, protesting over the conversion of a vege shop into a bottle store; they want more say in licensing decisions

Dairies and small shops may soon face the prospect of not being able to sell alcohol, but a South Auckland community wants the rules to go even further.

The High Court in Christchurch has rejected an appeal for a convenience store to have its licence renewed. The ruling could set a precedent for other small shops around the country.

The residents of Clendon in South Auckland are staging a protest this afternoon over a decision which saw a fruit and vege shop converted into a bottle shop. Clendon community support group chairwoman Waina Emery says they want a law change which would allow locals to have a say in licensing decisions.

Ms Emery says the community was mobilised by safety issues which arise when liquor stores crop up in shopping centres.