But police say there are ‘‘vastly different perceptions’’ about the signage at Caversham Liquor and have argued the store was given clear instructions to take it down.
An opposed off-licence renewal application for the store was heard by Dunedin’s district licensing committee on Thursday.
Police alleged the store failed to comply with a directive from the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (Arla) regarding its external advertising.
An amended condition on the store’s liquor licence stated: ‘‘external advertising to be restricted to text and only in a subdued colour with only the name/logo of the premises’’’.
Arla gave the store three months to comply.
At the hearing, Caversham Liquor owner Brenda Yee said it had been ‘‘like an emotional rollercoaster ride’’ to get to this point.
She was passionate about her store and the Caversham community, who had expressed ‘‘overwhelming support’’.
‘‘My father set up the business and its identity and I just want to do him proud.’’
The Speight’s signage had been in place for more than 23 years and was part of the ‘‘heritage identity of the business’’, Mrs Yee said.
It had until now never been raised as a concern by police; the roof-mounted sign in particular was never discussed during the Arla proceedings.
She believed the store had followed Arla’s directive.
‘‘The continued police opposition is not a reflection of our failure to comply with [the law], but rather a continuation of the same cherry-picking strategy that the higher court has already rejected.’’
Mrs Yee also raised several other concerns canvassing the three years since police first opposed the store’s licence renewal, in May 2023, but committee chairman Colin Weatherall said it must focus on that which related directly to the current application.
Acting Sergeant Chelsea Taylor-Harris said police believed the condition was self-explanatory — only the store’s name and logo could be displayed on its exterior.
‘‘Police acknowledge the vast difference in external advertising the applicant has changed to comply with the condition and I thank the applicant for their commitment so far, this has not gone unnoticed.
‘‘However, these signs are still on display contrary to the licence condition.
‘‘Speight’s is not the logo of Caversham Liquor and therefore is simply not complying with this condition.’’
A Speight’s placard in the store’s front window had been flipped over so the text was no longer facing outward.
Two photos, one taken by police and the other by the store, displayed ‘‘quite vastly different perceptions’’ of this reversed signage.
While the store’s photo showed a completely white banner, police argued it was commonly backlit ‘‘and extremely visible at any given time’’.
Police had no concerns about the store and its operations other than its compliance with Arla’s directive, Acting Sgt Taylor-Harris said.
Chief licensing inspector Tanya Morrison said the condition was ‘‘quite clear cut’’.
‘‘I do not believe that condition is currently being complied with.’’
The committee reserved its decision.
