Wendy's in Christchurch could soon be serving beer with its burgers.
The Hornby fast food restaurant has sent an application to the Christchurch City Council for a liquor licence between 8am and 11pm.
Wendy's plans to offer mainly beer and cider as well as low alcohol options for dine-in guests only. The licence will only allow alcohol to be purchased with food, with a trained and qualified supervisor authorising the sale, Wendy's NZ chief executive Danielle Lendich says.
Christchurch Deputy Mayor Vicki Buck says residents in Hornby are concerned, especially because of the number of kids and teenagers in the area.
She says while she likes the idealistic view of growing up drinking responsibly, she does not think that is the culture Wendy's will foster.
"I actually think it's a bit weird," Ms Buck told the Paul Henry programme this morning.
"I kind of don't get the association between fast food and alcohol. I'm used to 'do you want fries with that?' but 'do you want a beer with that or do you want a glass of wine with that?' is kind of unusual. I mean, this is a drive-through as well...I've got no idea what they're intending."
Ms Lendich says Wendy's will carefully consider the views of the community but it is not unusual for family restaurants to serve alcohol.
"We want our guests to be able to enjoy a beer with a burger if they choose, just as they can at many other restaurants and cafes. Offering a beer or a cider with a meal is another way Wendy's can up its game, following our recent introduction of table service and a new more upmarket restaurant fit-out also in the pipeline," she says.
Hornby High School principal Richard Edmundson says it is "ridiculous" and he is still trying to get his head around ordering a burger with a beer at 8am.
"I cannot see the logic to it," he says.
Mr Edmundson says food and alcohol can sometimes be a good combination but fast food, drop-in type restaurants like Wendy's are more causal by nature and would set a "bad example" to kids.
He already has the issue on the agenda for the next school board of trustees meeting.
Ms Lendich says the company has every confidence that, if approved, alcohol will be sold safely and responsibly.
Hornby residents are encouraged to make submissions if they have concerns.
Public submissions close on November 6.
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