Convenience stores won't be able to masquerade as groceries and get liquor licences after a landmark ruling by the Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA), says Labour's justice spokeswoman Lianne Dalziel.
Ms Dalziel tonight welcomed the LLA ruling that the Victoria Night 'n Day foodstore in Christchurch was unlikely to have its licence renewed in March because it was not a grocery store and the previous approach to licensing was contrary to the terms of the Sale of Liquor Act.
"The Liquor Licensing Authority, in what it has described as 'an unfortunate series of events' had defeated Parliament's intention by allowing these stores to obtain licences, creating a major loophole in the law," said Ms Dalziel, a Christchurch MP.
"There was no basis for the LLA to grant the liquor licences in the first place."
Ms Dalziel said she had hosted and attended a number of public meetings on alcohol and believed the public would overwhelmingly support the closing of the loophole.
"The expression `enough is enough' sums up the general attitude I have heard expressed from a variety of communities," she said.
"They have simply had enough of the proliferation of outlets, especially off-licences, and they will be delighted that the Liquor Licensing Authority is now doing something about it."
Ms Dalziel said she had been disappointed the LLA interpreted the law the way they had but she was pleased they had now got it right.
"It's certainly better late than never."
The LLA, which has a new chairman in District Court Judge Bill Unwin, has stopped issuing licences to new convenience stores.
"The reality is that a large number of convenience stores have joined the bandwagon and obtained licences which should not have been granted," it said.