South Auckland community leaders have expressed their deep disappointment at the Government's response to a Law Commission review of liquor laws.
The Government has rejected a recommendation by the commission to raise the price of alcohol.
Law Commission president Sir Geoffrey Palmer met with community leaders last year as part of the review's public consultation process and returned to Otara on Wednesday.
Sir Geoffrey says one of the most seminal moments in the inquiry was when his team visited Otara and witnessed the anger and frustration of some community members at their inability to influence what is sold and distributed on their own doorstep.
Community leaders and members from groups including the Alcohol Advisory Committee, Alcohol Healthwatch and school and church leaders came to the meeting on Wednesday.
They said they were disappointed at the Government's response to commission's review.
Sir Geoffrey says the Otara community needs to be part of the public consultation process and make submissions when the liquor legislation goes to the select committee.
Otara Community Board chair Tunumafono Ava Faamoe says the effect of alcohol on the community has been a continuing battle for residents.
