In the last three years, the most public objections the city council had received on an alcohol licence application was 121.
But 207 people opposed the liquor store near the BP petrol station on Memorial Ave, which is within 1km of four primary schools.
Key concerns for residents are a lack of parking, an increase in alcohol consumption and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, and frustration around Memorial Ave being a memorial for fallen soldiers.
The proposed liquor store would operate from 9am-10pm, seven days a week.
Isobel Anderson lives in the property which shares a driveway with the proposed store, and said the large number of objections was “absolutely wonderful.”
Said Ms Anderson: “I think we’re passionate about our area here. There’s obviously been a problem with liquor in the area because we’ve had a liquor ban in place. So we’re pretty keen on trying to stop it [liquor store].”
Ms Anderson and Fendalton resident Ashley Seaford were set to meet with the Fendalton-Waimairi-Harewood Community Board at its meeting which was scheduled yesterday in a bid to get the board’s backing and support in attending the public hearing.
No date has been set for the public hearing yet, but it is likely it will be held early next year.
Ms Anderson, who has lived in Fendalton for 27 years, did not believe the community would be interested in compromising with the applicants.
“We don’t want or need it in the community,” she said.
Ms Anderson believed about 3000 flyers had been dropped to inform people of the proposed liquor store.
Throughout the course of her flyer drops, Ms Anderson said there was only one person who was in favour of the liquor store.
“I think [the person in favour of the store] thinks it’s going to be a fancy wine bar area,” Ms Anderson said.
A series of reports will be completed by the police, the medical officer of health and an inspector in regards to the licence for the liquor store.
The file will then be referred to the district licensing committee, and a hearing will be held, which members of the public will be able to attend and make verbal submissions.
