Challenges to the renewal of the liquor licences of two Dunedin supermarkets will be heard this week.
The Countdown supermarkets in Cumberland St and Mailer St will make their arguments to the Dunedin District Licensing Committee (DLC) after challenges from regulatory authorities who oppose the renewal of their off-licences because of alcohol displays near both stores' entrances.
Public Health South medical officer of health Dr Marion Poore and liquor licensing inspector Tony Mole, with the support of police, say the supermarkets are not meeting the purpose of sections of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 aiming to limit shoppers' exposure to alcohol.
The stores had asked hearings be delayed pending a related Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority decision, but the DLC has decided to proceed with a hearing because it did not know how long that would take. The hearings will be combined and begin on Wednesday.
