Media Release
28 May 2007

Claim over liquor outlets in Manukau is not correct

The number of liquor outlets in Manukau is not increasing, despite what was claimed in the media over the weekend, Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says.

The claim that there is a constant increase in the number of outlets was made in connection with a street protest in the Manukau suburb of Clendon. The protestors do not want any more licensed premises.

Sir Barry says there are now 495 licensed outlets, which is 12 fewer than at the same time last year, despite an increase in the population.

”Manukau’s population is growing by around 10,000 per year, so the overall increase since 2002 is around fifty thousand. However the number of liquor outlets is about the same.

“Some parts of the city have too many liquor outlets and the number rises and falls by the week, but the overall number is retreating slowly.

“As in any New Zealand city, a small number of people are abusing alcohol and causing problems but there is no evidence to support the claim that there has been an explosion in the number of liquor outlets in Manukau”.

ENDS

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