Drink now and pay later - the delayed payment scheme that's proved a hit for retailers is now in bottle stores and alcohol watchdogs aren't impressed.
Critics have said the addition of an Afterpay option will increase alcohol availability to the most vulnerable.
While bollards protect the Panmure Bottle-O from ramraids, a financial barrier has been removed. The east Auckland bottle shop is now offering the Afterpay service at the counter.
Locals Newshub spoke to were both surprised and disappointed.
"No, it's the wrong idea," one said.
"It's disgusting," said another.
Afterpay claims to "empower your financial wellbeing" but critics ask, at what expense?
"From our perspective, it's just a step too far - particularly for vulnerable communities," said Grant Hewison from Communities Against Alcohol Harm. "It will just allow more access to alcohol, increase the harm that comes from alcohol," Dr Hewison said.
But is it breaking any laws? Well, even Auckland Council wasn't sure about that.
"The council is aware of the matter," a council spokesperson told Newshub. "It will require further investigation and consideration to determine whether this practice contravenes the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act."
Regulations were being worked for buy now, pay later schemes by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. The ministry told Newshub it consulted on them late last year and "is considering the feedback received to inform advice to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs".
That decision can't come soon enough for Dr Hewison.
"Generally, in New Zealand, we treat alcohol in a very underregulated way," he said.
He believed communities could be paying the price long after the hangover has gone.
