What happens when a neighbourhood bottle store closes? We asked local residents

In New Zealand's most deprived communities, alcohol is often too easily obtainable. These areas have three times more off-licence shops, supermarkets and bottle stores than the least deprived regions. In South Auckland suburbs Ōtara, Ōtāhuhu and Papatoetoe, there are 32 such outlets. Studies suggest this high concentration leads to increased violence, anti-social behavior, property damage, crime and teenage drinking.

Closing an existing off-licence can be challenging, but new law changes could make it even harder for locals to voice their opinions. Proposed amendments to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, currently under consideration, would limit who can oppose licensing applications and give applicants a formal right to respond to objections. Community policies could also not be used to remove outlets in unsuitable locations.

Wymondley Discount Liquor, located in Ōtara's Larsen St shopping centre, closed in 2023 after its off-licence renewal was rejected by the local District Licensing Committee. The community groups hailed this as a victory in their fight against alcohol-related harm. Our research, conducted with the Ōtara Gambling and Alcohol Action Group, surveyed 18 long-term residents living within 1.5 kilometres of the former store to understand the changes that occurred.

Two-thirds of participants viewed the closure positively, reporting a decrease in drinking in the store carpark, including minors. They also noticed less rubbish, noise and felt more secure. One resident described how people were drinking "late into the night" with loud music and cars parked up in the carpark, but now said "that's all changed now since it's been closed".

Parents welcomed the change, as their children could now visit neighbouring shops without seeing alcohol for sale, which could encourage them to try alcohol at a younger age.

However, a few residents felt no changes had occurred, as they had not experienced any alcohol-related issues in the first place, which aligns with broader research showing varying perceptions around public drinking spaces. Two drinkers even mentioned the closure made buying alcohol less convenient, as they now had to drive to another store, leading to reduced social drinking.

Overall, our research indicates a net positive impact, even though alcohol-related problems in the neighborhood did not disappear. Residents also expressed a desire for fewer outlets in the wider area. While records of noise complaints, emergency department presentations and police responses were limited, residents' observations of changes such as less public drinking, noise and rubbish, and feeling more comfortable around shops can be valuable in alcohol licensing decisions.

Law changes recently made it easier for communities to participate in licensing decisions, and our findings suggest preserving this participation is beneficial, rather than introducing new barriers that could hinder communities from being heard.