New Plymouth supermarkets are angry at what they say is the uneven application of tighter liquor licensing laws being introduced in Taranaki.
The New Plymouth and Stratford local alcohol policy committee has voted to prohibit the sale of alcohol before 10.00am and after 9pm in New Plymouth, while allowing trading between 7am and 10pm in Stratford.
New Plymouth Mayor Andrew Judd says the move by a committee of the District Council follows several weeks of consultation with health authorities, the police, industry representatives and the public.
Foodstuffs NZ, which covers the brands Pak n' Save, New World, Four Square and Liquorland, says it is reviewing the changes before deciding whether to appeal.
Owner-operator of New World in central New Plymouth Rob Dowman said he doesn't understand the decision.
"You have and area for Stratford at one time frame and another area for New Plymouth with another timeframe and I can't understand where the common sense element for that sits."
A district council committee voted down a move to force bars and nightclubs to close an hour earlier at 2am.
The two big supermarket chains, Countdown and Foodstuffs, say they're considering whether to appeal against the policy.
