Two student-led groups have failed in their bid to represent student voices at an upcoming licensing hearing.
Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) Otepoti and Hold On To Your Friends (HOTYF) sought to have their standing reinstated at a hearing for Dunedin Fine Wine and Spirits, on George St, scheduled for October 12.
Dunedin’s district licensing committee had already determined, in a pre-hearing conference last month, that neither SSDP nor HOTYF had standing as public objectors.
While both groups had satisfied their geographical proximity to the premises, neither had satisfied the committee of having an interest greater than the general public.
In a minute, dated Tuesday, commissioner Rakei Amohau reiterated the decision.
"The committee has not received any further evidence to satisfy the necessity for the standing of the public objectors to be reconsidered and finds the appropriate decision was made... based on the evidence available.
"Accordingly, the request for the rehearing is declined and the determination set out in the earlier minute of the committee stands."
Police had withdrawn their objection, as the liquor store had agreed to comply with their conditions, which meant a public hearing was no longer required, Mr Amohau said.
HOTYF spokeswoman Louisa Mason called the decision "offensive and unlawful."
"HOTYF is extremely frustrated that the committee has failed to give us standing.
"With the local alcohol policy identifying students as an at-risk group for hazardous drinking and the liquor store in question located in an area with a high density of student residents and foot-traffic, the decision that our student group does not have a greater interest than the general public is offensive and unlawful."
"Students should have a say in alcohol regulation given we are the ones that bear the brunt of alcohol-related harm in our community."
SSDP Otepoti president Jai Whelan said the committee had made a poor decision.
"It feels ridiculous to not let us be heard."
Mr Whelan said the committee’s reasoning was not good enough and did not line up with previous decision-making on the same issues.
SSDP had received written support from the Te Whatu Ora Southern medical officer of health Dr Michael Butchard and had no opposition from the police nor the licensing inspector.
However, the committee noted Mr Butchard did not attend nor submit their position of standing at the pre-conference hearing.
tim.scott@odt.co.nz , PIJF cadet reporter
