Bottle-O Cumberland’s liquor licence has been renewed for a further three years, but authorities rejected its bid to extend opening hours as unsuitable for the local area.
Brendan McCarthy of Kitt Enterprises Ltd originally sought to extend the store’s hours to 9am-10pm every day.
Following opposition from police, the medical officer of health delegate, and the city’s chief licensing inspector at a November hearing, the proposal was scaled back to 9am-9pm daily.
The proposal drew two public objections, including one from University of Otago proctor Dave Scott.
In a district licensing committee decision last month, secretary Kevin Mechen said the panel opted to keep the 10am opening time unchanged.
“The committee has considered the matters presented and does not consider it appropriate to extend the opening hours, given the location of the premises is in an area of high alcohol-related harm.
“While Mr McCarthy may be working in the premises, by his own admission the change was not to attract any more customers.”
After review, the committee set licensed hours at 10am-9pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-6pm on Sundays.
Previously, the store’s licensed hours were 10am-8pm on Monday and Tuesday, 10am-10pm Wednesday to Saturday, and 10am-6pm on Sunday.
Although the committee acknowledged that public holidays sometimes fall on Mondays, Mechen noted they “do not come without notice.”
“People have ample opportunity to purchase their dinner drinks before the current 6pm close.”