Well done Mr Qain!

Store owner Kanmin Qain sought a relocation of a liquor licence for his Vege Oasis shop. Neither local officials nor the Police were inclined to object. 

But in the context of the large number of licences already active in South Auckland community members made strong submissions. Mr Qain listened to their stories of alcohol abuse and withdrew his application. He says the welfare of the community is more important than money in his pocket.

"As a businessman you have to make a contribution as well. It's not just about the money." He invites other businesses to follow suit.

The recent empowering of Community Boards to make representation on behalf of their communities could have worked better in this instance. But it is heartening that the applicant himself became more aware of the issues and took a bold and costly step on his own initiative. 

Well done...