Gisborne Liquor Store Licence Renewal Opposed Over Public Disorder & Safety Concerns
A dispute over licensing for a liquor store in Gisborne, New Zealand, has brought into sharp focus the challenges faced by communities grappling with alcohol-related harm, particularly in areas with high levels of social deprivation. The renewal application for Red Door Liquor Store in Kaiti Hub is being contested by Billie-Jean Potaka Ayton, principal of Kaiti School, who alleges the area surrounding the store has become a public drinking space, creating safety concerns for students and residents.
Potaka Ayton’s objections, presented at a District Licensing Committee hearing on Monday, detail a situation where the bus station adjacent to the store transforms into what she describes as a “local night club or day club.” Her submission paints a picture of public intoxication, litter, and anti-social behavior, including groups congregating with speakers, leaving behind empty bottles and cans, and individuals urinating and sleeping in public areas – all occurring as children are travelling to and from school. A specific incident involving the verbal harassment of a nanny walking with a child near the bus shelter was also raised as a serious safety concern.
The concerns extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the school. Potaka Ayton noted that groups also gather on the grass verge near a pedestrian crossing and at a nearby mall toilet block. Representing over 400 students, 50 staff, the school board, and families, she argued that the store’s proximity to the school and the associated risks necessitate a denial of the license renewal.
While the police initially opposed the license renewal, they subsequently withdrew their opposition following discussions with the applicant, Martinus Jan van der Velde, director of V D V Ventures Ltd (2001). The police are now present at the hearing to assist the committee. Further opposition comes from Dr Douglas Lush, the Medical Officer of Health, and Dr Vincenzo Petrella, the district council’s district licensing inspectorate.
Van der Velde, in his submission, emphasizes the store’s 20-year history of operation without prior enforcement action or appearances before the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority or District Licensing Committee. He claims to have proactively addressed concerns, working with both the police and the Kaiti Hub landlord to implement measures aimed at mitigating the issues. These measures include the installation of additional “alcohol-free zone” signage and the implementation of a trespass policy for unacceptable behavior, alongside increased CCTV coverage.
The applicant has also taken steps to modify its product offerings and sales practices. Scrumpy, a specific alcoholic beverage, has been removed from sale. The store has agreed to restrict single sales of mainstream beers, ready-to-drink beverages, and shots to volumes of 500ml or greater (excluding craft beer). Exterior advertising of alcohol products and pricing has also been eliminated, and alcoholic products are no longer displayed in a manner visible from outside the premises. A minimum price of $6.49 has been set for single sales of 500ml beer units following discussions with the police.
The Gisborne District Council’s amended Alcohol Control Bylaw, enacted in October 2025, already prohibits public drinking in the affected area, including near the school and the hub. While Potaka Ayton acknowledges that the bylaw has had a positive impact in reducing incidents, she maintains that groups continue to congregate at the bus stop.
The Medical Officer of Health’s submission highlights the potential for alcohol sales to contribute to significant harm, including domestic and sexual violence, foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and road accidents. The submission argues that, if the applicant were suitable to operate in a vulnerable community like Kaiti – which experiences high levels of deprivation – they would have proactively tailored their product range, pricing, and promotional activities to minimize harm.
The case also raises questions about the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, given that Kaiti is a predominantly Māori community. Counsel for other objectors, Dr Liz Gordon, argued that the District Licensing Committee must incorporate tikanga Māori into its proceedings. The social deprivation of the area was also noted by both the licensing inspector and the Medical Officer of Health, adding another layer of complexity to the licensing decision.
The District Licensing Committee, comprised of Pat Seymour, Roger Matthews, and Karen McClutchie, conducted a site visit to the bus stop on Sunday afternoon, observing an empty beer box and a single can. However, they acknowledged that this debris could have been present for some time. A decision on the renewal of Red Door Liquor Store’s license is expected within 15 working days.