The proposal for a Super Liquor store in Lake Hāwea, which boasts a population of about 2300, has attracted 538 opposing submissions.
Queenstown Lakes District Council’s chief licensing inspector noted it was a record number of objections to a liquor application.
Resident and community spokeswoman Lisa Riley said the response reflected deep public concern.
"This isn’t about banning alcohol — many of us enjoy a drink responsibly," Ms Riley said.
"Placing a liquor store at the entrance to a family-focused neighbourhood risks normalising alcohol for our kids and creating issues our community isn’t equipped to manage.
She was deeply concerned about the liquor store being close to a children’s playground.
"There is a real risk that people will gravitate towards the public seating and restrooms at the children’s playground and turn them into drinking spots.
Three outlets in the small town already sell alcohol, but the proposal would be the community’s first stand-alone liquor store.
Keyrouz Holdings Ltd, the company behind the proposal, owns Five Stags restaurant, the Gate Hotel in Cromwell and several other Super Liquor stores in the region, including one in Wanaka.
The Gate Hotel chief executive Glen Christiansen sent a letter to objectors following the the high volume of submissions, inviting the community to speak to the company.
Mr Christiansen said there was no issue with the location, saying its current Super Liquor store in Alexandra had a playground across the road and its Wanaka store shared a driveway with a church.
Ms Riley felt the offer was too little too late.
Not everyone was opposed to the liquor store.
Simon Hoskin said the group opposing the store was small but vocal, and he and others in the community wanted the option to buy spirits within walking distance.
"They think they speak for the entire community — they don’t."
A three-day hearing starts on October 8.
