Pak’nSave and a nearby South Dunedin liquor store are in the firing line as police take a stand against the sale of high-strength beer.
Police have opposed the renewal of both premises’ liquor licences in submissions to Dunedin’s district licensing committee.
They said the supermarket’s Hillside Rd premises were situated in a vulnerable community that had been exposed to high levels of alcohol-related harm.
Two additional licence conditions for both venues have been suggested — no external advertising or promotion of alcohol and no single sales of RTDs, beer or cider less than 500ml, excluding craft beer.
The submission said Pak’nSave customers could buy 500ml containers of alcohol ranging from 6.5% to 7.2% abv from as little as $2.99.
Sergeant Steve Jones, of Dunedin, said in his submission there had been high levels of alcohol-related harm in the area surrounding Pak’nSave.
"Police records of alcohol-related incidents in the area indicate that the 1km radius surrounding the premises is one of the worst areas for calls for police service in Dunedin City.
"Frequent incidents of family harm and disorder are attended by police within this area."
While police did not have statistics that directly connected alcohol harm to Pak’nSave, Sgt Jones said it was "almost certain" that particular alcohol products bought there resulted in nearby harm.
Similar concerns were raised about Caversham Liquor, in South Rd.
In a report from a licensing inspector, a spokesman for the business said they had many regular customers on a budget who bought small quantities of highly concentrated alcohol.
The store had offered this practice for many years.
While the licensing inspector could not provide any evidence such products sold from the store were key contributors to harm, they supported the objection of police.
Foodstuffs spokeswoman Emma Wooster said the company was committed to the responsible sale of alcohol and was respectful of the district licensing committee processes.
"We have good working relationships with the police, and as a co-operative of locally owned and operated grocers, we’re committed to keeping our people and our communities safe," she said.
Hearings for Pak’nSave and Caversham Liquor will be held on May 12 and 18 respectively.
