Church session members have told the Central Otago District Licensing Committee the area already has five outlets to meet the alcohol "needs'' of the community.
"We have difficulty conceiving of exactly how the opening of yet another alcohol retailer is likely to have a positive impact upon our community, i.e. in terms of domestic violence, road safety and the general wellbeing of our young people,'' the elders said in their submission.
Cromwell Liquor Ltd owner-operator Philip Ryan has applied for an off-licence for a purpose-built liquor store in Elspeth St, called Henry's Beer, Wine and Spirits, to trade from 8am to 11pm.
Mr Ryan, who owns and operates Cromwell New World, was a well-established and reputable businessman who had been involved in retail for more than 25 years, the application said.
The licensing committee will hear the application on Monday, June 27.
Session members said the church was often attended
during the week by elderly and otherwise vulnerable people seeking assistance or counselling and by individuals who were struggling with alcoholism and other substance abuse.
"We consider the presence of an alcohol retailer immediately across the road from the church is hardly likely to have a positive impact on their lives.''
Church members also raised concerns about the potential for increased vandalism.
Cromwell resident Hessel Van Wieran also opposed the application.
"The Government's intention of directing local councils to develop a Local Alcohol Policy is based primarily on `alcohol-related harm reduction'.''
Reducing access to alcohol through tighter controls on the number of liquor outlets in a given area was one of the solutions, he said.
"Cromwell certainly doesn't need more alcohol outlets.''
The applicants already sold alcohol through the New World supermarket across the road from the proposed site.
Mr Van Wieran was a member and trustee of the Cromwell Youth Trust andsaid he was aware of the many and varied problems, even in this region, of alcohol harm.
