A record 538 submissions opposing a liquor licence and just two in support for the store were earlier this year forwarded to the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
This would be the town’s first standalone off-licence liquor store and would be built in new development Longview.
Following the submissions a three-day District Licensing Committee hearing took place last month.
Keyrouz Holdings Ltd laid out its case for a new Super Liquor store, and then 29 opposing submitters made their case to the committee.
The company operates Super Liquor franchises across Cromwell, Alexandra, Wānaka, Queenstown and Lorneville, near Invercargill, and also owns the Five Stags restaurant and The Gate Hotel in Cromwell.
Gate Group chief executive Glen Christiansen said the company handed in their statement this week to the council, and he was not sure what to expect as a result.
"Would I expect something this side of Christmas? I don’t know. We are not bothered, we are in the process, we had to review everything and everyone’s comments and what-not and still make an informed decision."
He said proceedings at the hearing were "as expected’ and noted there were just 29 submitters against the store, despite the record high submissions in writing.
"Some of the objectors were fantastic and they have genuine concerns and probably are protecting themselves."
The company had secured building consent to construct the outlet in the Longview subdivision.
One opposer and Voices of Lake Hāwea spokeswoman Lisa Riley was at the hearing, and said she wanted to remain neutral until a decision was out.
Ms Riley has previously said she will take the issue to the High Court if the decision does not go in favour of those opposing the store.
"I think I will wait and comment on that once the decision is out.
"Everyone did a great job speaking to the issues and we had a great cross-section of issues aired, with a variety of voices from all backgrounds opposing this."
Locals argued the proposed site was too close to children and sent the wrong signal about the town’s priorities. As well as concerns for a drinking culture in the small town of 2000, which is set to grow to over 7000 within five years.
The Ministry of Health was one of those opposing the liquor store and had also submitted a post-hearing closing statement.
A spokesperson for the council said it was unknown whether a result would drop before Christmas.
"It will now take time to deliberate and go through all information relating to the application and the hearing. It’s unknown how long this will take as there is no timeframe prescribed in legislation within which a DLC needs to release the decision. It’s up to the committee and hence could be before Christmas, or in the new year."
Once the decision is issued it will be released to all parties. If any parties do not agree with parts of the decision and consider the DLC has erred in law they can lodge an appeal to the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA).
ARLA would then hold a public rehearing of the matter, but no new information could be introduced.
