A newly-opened supermarket close to Canterbury University has been granted a liquor licence despite opposition from police and the community.
Police say the proximity of rival supermarkets to the New World store means the discounting of alcohol is a certainty, and that would encourage student binge drinking.
The regional head of alcohol strategy and enforcement for the police, Sergeant Al Lawn, maintains the supermarkets have a moral responsibility not to discount alcohol as heavily as they do.
He said stores should instead reduce the price milk, fruit and vegetables to attract customers in a way that is also good for the community.