Listen Now: 
Auckland mayor Phil Goff wants to see changes to the liquor laws to give local communities more say in whether on or off licence outlets can open.
In a rare negative set back to the industry, a district licensing committee turned down an application to open a sports bar on the site of the former Manurewa Returned Services Association, with strong opposition for Māori wardens a factor in the decision.
It is likely to be appealed.
Mr Goff says even though the Sale of Liquor Act allows for the development of local alcohol policies, the industry can hold that up by appealing.
"And I've expressed my frustration to central government that we are bound by legislation that seems designed to stop us as local communities doing what we think we need to do in our community to make it a great and healthy place to live and to stop alcohol abuse," he says.
Mr Goff says because alcohol bills are done on a conscience vote, the process of getting them passed can be a shambles.
!["p_facebook"]("/site/uma/images/story_img/facebook.jpg")
& !["p_twitter"]("/site/uma/images/story_img/twitter.jpg")
Copyright © 2019, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
RELATED NEWS
