- By Parmjeet Parmar, Pakuranga-based ACT List MP
Every week I hear from local businesses still feeling the impact of poor policy decisions by past Governments.
One area where issues consistently arise is from small business owners who run licensed liquor stores.
These businesses face costly, time-consuming regulations that, while well-intentioned, fail to benefit the community.
So I’ve introduced a Member’s Bill to address the challenges facing licensed liquor stores in Pakuranga and across New Zealand.
My bill ensures these businesses are treated fairly by amplifying their voice in licensing decisions and limiting objections to those directly impacted.
Too often liquor stores are bogged down by objections from activist groups or individuals who don’t live in the area.
While the store may eventually open, it’s after months of delays and tens of thousands of dollars spent defending their right to operate.
Worse yet, when they’re granted a licence, they’re often hit with onerous conditions that do little to improve public safety but make it near impossible to run a viable business.
Another issue is the current rules allow a licence renewal to be denied simply because a ‘sensitive site,’ such as a school or church, has opened nearby.
It’s unfair to load that kind of uncertainty onto a business and force them to operate under constant threat of closure.
They’re essentially being asked to perform the impossible task of predicting where such sites may or may not open in future.
My bill fixes these issues. Under my proposal, only those who live within 1km of a store would be able to object to a licence.
Additionally, my bill ensures existing stores can renew their licences without being penalised for a sensitive site that opened after the store was already established.
Pakuranga is a diverse community, home to people who’ve come from all over the world to build better lives for their families.
Many start businesses that provide jobs, serve the local community, and bring people into our town centres.
I want to empower these people to succeed on their own terms, without unnecessary Government intervention.
I’d like to prioritise the interests of those most affected, namely the business itself, its customers, and the immediate local community.
I look forward to debating this issue and encourage my Parliamentary colleagues, the community, and local businesses to support my bill.
