Residents have objected in numbers to a proposed Super Liquor store on Ardmore Street, lodging almost 40 objections in less than 24 hours - echoing the pushback over a similar store recently approved in Lake Hāwea.

The Gate Ltd has applied for an alcohol licence for the store, to be located at the former Countdown Wānaka Metro site, with trading hours from 9am to 10pm, seven days a week. 

Community member Lisa Riley told the Wānaka App the objections had flowed in quickly since she, alongside other residents and the organisation Communities Against Alcohol Harm, shared an online form designed to simplify the objection process.

Objections had been few prior to this - at last count around a week ago, the application had attracted only four, according to Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC).

If the Ardmore Street application is approved, it would be the fourth dedicated liquor store on the street, joining Wānaka Liquorland, Betty’s Liquor Store, and Bottle-O Store Wānaka.

Lisa said the opposition to the Super Liquor was “not about being anti-business or anti-choice”.

“It’s about recognising that Wānaka already has a high concentration of alcohol outlets, and the evidence is very clear: more stores equals more harm.”

Lisa said she knew “from experience” that the alcohol licensing process can be intimidating for community members. 

She led community opposition to the application for the Lake Hāwea Super Liquor, which was approved earlier this month, despite receiving 542 objections.

Read more: Longview liquor store approved, appeal to follow

In its decision on the Lake Hāwea Super Liquor, the District Licensing Committee (DLC) acknowledged the “record high” number of objections, but said the prospective risk of alcohol harm specific to the Lake Hāwea application was “minimal”.

Lisa has indicated an appeal to that decision is coming.

As for the Ardmore Street application, she called on expressions of interest from community members who wish to act as primary objectors or help others lodge their objections, and offered to provide guidance or support on lodging objections.

Residents have until February 9 to submit objections and interested members of the public can request a copy of the alcohol licence application from QLDC before then.

IMAGE: Supplied