Hundreds of people have voiced their opposition to plans for a Lake Hāwea Super Liquor store, some citing fears the store could worsen alcohol-related harm, mental health challenges, addiction, drink driving and the like in the small community.

As of Wednesday (June 19), 382 people had lodged objections to the store’s alcohol license application via an online form shared among residents.

A Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) representative said it could not confirm the exact number of objections it had received directly but noted the council “...has rarely had to process such a large amount of feedback on an alcohol licence application.”

Lake Hāwea resident Lisa Riley, who has spearheaded community awareness of Super Liquor’s plans for a 300sqm+ store in the Longview subdivision, said she was grateful for all the objections lodged.

“My reaction to the number of submissions is one of sincere gratitude - to everyone who’s used their voice for the good of the community, and also to those who were on the fence but took the time to learn why this does matter,” Lisa told the Wānaka App.

The Super Liquor store, billed for the subdivision’s commercial area, received resource consent approval last month but in order for it to operate its alcohol license needs to be approved.

Lisa Riley (pictured) says objections have highlighted a range of concerns about adding another liquor retailer.

A single alcohol license application objection is enough to spark a District Licencing Committee hearing, and Lisa says she hopes even more people - in Lake Hāwea and beyond - will take the time to look at the issue and consider lodging an objection before objections close on Monday night (June 23).

The objections already lodged via the online form (which was created by Communities Against Alcohol Harm with input from Lisa) show how deeply the community cares about the issue, Lisa said.

“People are taking the time to explain why this matters to them - and it’s not just about inconvenience or preference,” Lisa said. “The concerns are serious, heartfelt, and grounded in lived experience.”

They ranged from concerns about the store’s location (near a playground, a school bus stop, and the site for a childcare centre); its long hours of operation (it has resource consent approval to operate 12 hours a day, seven days a week); potential cumulative effects of more alcohol provision; and potential visual pollution and litter, Lisa said.

“The community wants to grow in a way that reflects our values. This proposal doesn’t do that,” she said.

“We’re not anti-progress - we just want thoughtful, inclusive planning that respects the people who live here.”

Anyone who wants to learn more about the alcohol license application or lodge an objection can do so via the Communities Against Alcohol Harm online form or via the QLDC website.

Read more: Longview residents oppose liquor store plans

The QLDC spokesperson said he expects “...it will take some time for the team to process and collate all [the objections] alongside their other day-to-day work” once the objection period closes.

IMAGES: Supplied