Latest news with #alcohollicensing
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
South Auckland grocery store loses right to sell alcohol
McLennan Grocery Shop in Papakura has lost its right to sell alcohol. Photo: Stuff / Torika Tokalau A store in south Auckland has lost its right to sell alcohol after their efforts to pass itself off as a grocery store was rejected, in a precedent-setting case. McLennan Grocery Store, at Swamp Kauri Grove in Papakura, was recently granted an off-licence in March by the Auckland District Licensing Committee (ADLC). However, after an appeal led by Auckland councillor Angela Dalton with the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA), the off-licence was denied. The appeal focused on whether the shop met the statutory definition of a grocery store under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act. According to section 33 of the Act, a grocery shop was defined as a premises that emphasised the sale of food products as the principal business, and characteristics normally associated with grocery shops. Under the Act, a convenience store wasn't permitted to sell alcohol. Communities Against Alcohol Harm secretary Dr Grant Hewison said ARLA's decision will now set a precedent for future off-licence applications on grocery and convenience stores. "This decision will be welcomed by many in the Papakura community," Hewison said. "It's encouraging to see ARLA taking a firm stance on the difference between convenience stores and grocery stores to avoid alcohol being sold from convenience stores," Hewison said. He said convenience stores were often located right in the centre of residential communities and were intended to be convenient. Parliament made it clear in the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act that liquor shouldn't be sold from 'convenience' stores, Hewison said. Baj Holdings Limited applied for a new off-licence with the DLC, for McLennan Grocery Store on 3 September, 2024. The shop was formerly known as McLennan Convenience Store. The applicant stated the primary business was food sales, and agreed to conditions such as alcohol sales only until 8pm. The medical officer had initially opposed the application, but withdrew after viewing photos showing an increase in the range of food and groceries sold, and introduction of shopping baskets, after an earlier visit. With no opposition from key agencies, and six public objectors related to alcohol-related harm, the application was granted on 11 March. DLC concluded the application met the object of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, the company was suitable, the application was consistent with the Local Alcohol Policy, and the proposed hours, design, and other goods sold were appropriate. In June, councillor Dalton filed an appeal with ARLA, against the District Licensing Committee's decision for McLennan Grocery Store. Her appeal was focused on whether the premises met the statutory definition of a grocery store under the Act, and the object of the Act. In its own inspection, ARLA found the shop was not what people would consider patronising to shop for grocery items, but more to pick up items they were running out of, therefore characterising the shop as a 'convenience store'. The entrance of the shop did not suggest it was a grocery store, other than the amended signage from McLennan Convenience Store to McLenann Grocery Store. There was a large sign outside and inside with prices assigned to various goods. ARLA found none of the items listed suggested the store had as its principal business the sale of food products. They found it concerning there was limited space given on the limited range of food products like bread, fresh fruit, vegetables and fresh meat. However, greater prominence was given to other aspects of the business - drinks and takeaways. The premises had a vape store, which ARLA said was more easily aligned with a convenience store than a grocery store, and that there were only two baskets available for shoppers to use to load goods, which was also inconsistent with a grocery store. "For these reasons we consider that the appeal must succeed as we do not consider that these premises meet the requirements of a grocery store," ARLA said in its decision. "The shop certainly had aspects that could be attributed to those expected of a grocery store but those aspects appeared to be secondary to other aspects of the business that appeared to us to be correctly and appropriately those of a convenience store." - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Washington State Bowling Proprietors Association Releases 2025 End of Legislative Session Report
The Washington State Bowling Proprietors Association (WSBPA) announced the release of its comprehensive 2025 End of Legislative Session Report, 'This legislative session presented both challenges and opportunities for our industry.'— Chris Nash, President of the WSBPA SEATTLE, WA, UNITED STATES, July 3, 2025 / / -- The Washington State Bowling Proprietors Association (WSBPA) announced the release of its comprehensive 2025 End of Legislative Session Report, detailing the impact of newly enacted laws on bowling centers across Washington State. The report analyzes seven major bills signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson that will significantly affect bowling center operations, from alcohol licensing fees to employment regulations and tax changes. 'This legislative session presented both challenges and opportunities for our industry,' said Chris Nash, President of the WSBPA. 'While we're facing substantial cost increases through higher alcohol license fees and new taxes on business services, we're also seeing positive developments like tourism funding that could drive more customers to our centers.' Key Legislative Changes Affecting Bowling Centers: The most immediate impact comes from a 50% increase in alcohol license fees effective July 27, 2025, and the end of alcohol delivery services as of July 1. Beer and wine licenses will increase from $400 to $600 annually, while full liquor licenses will rise to between $2,400 and $3,750 depending on the license type. 'The alcohol license fee increases are particularly challenging for our members who have already invested heavily in compliance and infrastructure,' Nash explained. 'We understand the state's revenue needs, but a 50% increase hits small businesses hard, especially when combined with other rising costs.' Additional financial impacts include new sales tax on business services beginning October 1, 2025, affecting IT support, marketing, staffing, and security services commonly used by bowling centers. Business & Occupation tax rates will also increase for both service and retail operations over the next 18 months. Employment Law Changes: Starting January 1, 2026, Paid Family & Medical Leave will expand to cover businesses with 25 or more employees, and striking workers will become eligible for unemployment benefits. 'We're committed to supporting our employees, but these changes require careful planning and budgeting,' Nash said. 'Our members need time to understand the new requirements and adjust their operations accordingly.' Positive Developments: The session wasn't without benefits for the industry. SB 5492 provides $9 million in biennial funding for state tourism marketing, potentially increasing visitation to bowling centers in tourist areas. Additionally, most bowling centers benefit from small business exemptions in the Extended Producer Responsibility program until 2031. 'The tourism funding is a bright spot that could really help our members, especially those in areas that attract visitors,' Nash noted. 'We also appreciate the small business protections included in several of these new laws.' Looking Ahead: The WSBPA will continue advocating for the industry's interests in the 2026 legislative session, including additional small business relief. 'Our work doesn't stop when the session ends,' Nash emphasized. 'We'll be preparing for 2026 with a focus on pursuing policies that help our industry thrive while supporting our employees and communities.' The complete 2025 End of Legislative Session Report includes detailed implementation timelines, financial impact analyses, and strategic recommendations for WSBPA members. The report is available to members through the WSBPA website and will guide the association's advocacy efforts leading into the 2026 session. The report can be downloaded here: About the WSBPA: The Washington State Bowling Proprietors Association is a non-profit trade organization representing bowling center owners and operators throughout Washington State. Founded in 1960, the WSBPA works to promote the growth and success of the bowling industry through advocacy, education, and member services. Greg Olsen Washington State Bowling Proprietors Association +1 (206) 762-6752 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
