Granting an off-licence to a North Rd liquor store could lead to the irresponsible supply of spirits to Dunedin's nearby student population and Salmond College and the University of Otago say they oppose it.
Further, the university says no more liquor licences should be issued in the area.
A recent application from the new licensee of a bottle store at 21 North Rd known as the Liquor Store has drawn two objections, from the warden of residential hall Salmond College and the director of Student Services at the University of Otago, and some mild concern from regulatory authorities.
The application from P M Liquors Ltd will be considered by the Dunedin district licensing committee at a hearing in Dunedin on Friday.
A report to the committee from its secretary, Kevin Mechen, said the objections of Salmond and the university were made with the interests of students in mind, and therefore should be considered to have an interest greater than the public generally.
He said both objectors thought granting the licence would be contrary to the Sale and Supply of Liquor Act because alcohol-related harm would not be minimised and it would be irresponsible to supply alcohol, particularly RTDs and straight spirits, to the student population.
''They further state that the amenity and good order of the locality is already of concern, and even if this licence did not further reduce the amenity and good order, it would be the university's view that no further licences were issued in the area.''
The regulatory authorities had no issue with the suitability of the applicant, although the licensing inspector, Tony Mole, wanted to discuss the location of the premises given the concentration of young people living nearby and the store's possible impact on the good order of the location.
