Wendy's withdraws liquor license bid

Wendy's withdraws liquor license bid

A Wendy's fast food outlet has ditched its bid to serve beers with its burgers in Christchurch.

The Hornby outlet applied for a licence in October last year, attracting public backlash.

It would have been the first attempt by a fast-food chain in New Zealand to bring liquor into its premises. The licence would have allowed mainly beer and cider to be purchased with food, with a trained and qualified supervisor authorising the sale.

The Christchurch City Council was notified today of the withdrawal.

Riccarton-Wigram Community Board chair Mike Mora believes the opposition scared Wendy's off.

"[I'm] absolutely over the moon," he says.

"There [are] enough liquor outlets and bars around the area now and we don't see the point in actually attracting the introduction of liquor into hamburger bars."

However, Wendy's has confirmed it's committed to selling alcohol in its restaurants in the future.

"We have benefited from constructive discussions had with the police, Medical Officer of Health and the inspectors as part of this application, and with their help have identified a number of refinements we can make to our business that will enable us to better serve alcohol in a safe and responsible manner," Wendy's New Zealand chief executive Danielle Lendich says.

If they come back with a different proposal Mr Mora is hoping it won't be for Christchurch.

Newshub.