The Association of Community Retailers says a court ruling that prevents a convenience shop selling liquor could be disastrous for thousands of shops across the country.
This week, the Christchurch High Court ruled the Cashel Street Night and Day will not have its licence renewed, because it doesn't meet the criteria.
Hundreds of dairies have gained liquor licenses since supermarkets were allowed to stock wine and beer in 1999.
But Dipal Desai, alcohol spokesperson for the Association of Community Retailers, says for some rural communities the convenience store is the only liquor retailer.
“It’s a daily convenience for the rural community and for my business also to have a liquor license,” said Desai.
The owners of the Christchurch Night and Day are considering an appeal.
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