Youth in the Manukau suburb of Clendon took to the streets in protest on Saturday at the number of liquor licences being approved in their area.
Around 100 residents marched saying the laws governing the issuing of new licences need to take into consideration the impact of liquor outlets on the community.
"With more liquor stores there's going to be more violence, more graffiti, there'll just be more crime all over Clendon, Manurewa, Manukau and this walk was trying to tell the community that we don't want anymore. It's not to stop the ones that are all ready here it's to stop them making more liquor stores," said one protester.
In 1990 there were 44 liquor licences in the Manukau area, there are now more than 270 - seven of them in the small community of Clendon. Residents marching on Saturday say they don't want any more.
"A couple of quiet pubs I don't have any problem with at all. But if you go and have a look at Manurewa at nine o'clock on a Saturday night until one in the morning it's disgraceful. What really upsets me is the amount of kids involved." says Phil Palfrey from Manurewa East Primary School.
Co-ordinator Waina Emery says it was local youth who came up with the idea of the march, as they believe alcohol is the cause of too many problems. She says having it readily available does not help promote healthy families.
The group say they have had enough of planning rules that allow alcohol to be easily purchased and consumed throughout the community.
They have the backing of local MP George Hawkins.
He wants the law changed so it is easier for locals to stop liquor outlets from opening up.
