The fate of a Flaxmere liquor store hangs in the balance, following an outpouring of opposition from community members.
On April 9 the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority heard the case against Flaxmere Liquor's application to renew its licence at the Hastings District Court.
Chairman of the Takitimu District Māori Council, Des Ratima also spoke against the application, saying the bottle store increased the potential for harm among the area's high Māori population, who were already disproportionately affected. He stressed to the store's owner's that it is not a "personal issue" but rather a "people issue".
Janet Mason, acting for the local community, said if there was ever a "licence renewal application to be refused in New Zealand, it is this one".
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