Systemic inequities in alcohol licensing: Case studies in eight Aotearoa New Zealand communities

Many countries, including Aotearoa New Zealand, have socioeconomic and ethnic inequities in alcohol outlet density, yet the potential contribution of alcohol licensing systems is almost unexplored. After licensing reforms in Aotearoa in 2012, community groups and Māori (the Indigenous people) continued to struggle to influence decisions, prompting calls for reform and authority for Māori reflecting Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. This study explored factors in the failure of public objections in under-resourced neighbourhoods.

In a descriptive, multimethod qualitative study, we analysed eight decisions to grant off-licence approvals in socioeconomically deprived areas. Each licence was opposed. Hearing participants and local residents were interviewed. Data were thematically analysed to identify factors affecting objector influence, alignment with Indigenous rights and residents' awareness of alcohol issues and licensing processes.

Residents identified relevant local harms but were largely unaware of opportunities to object. Objectors faced structural barriers to accessing and influencing hearings that were exacerbated by resource challenges, including travel costs, lost income, competing social issues and limited legal representation. Evidence of area deprivation supported objectors' arguments regarding risk, but a lack of official data on harms undermined them. Māori input was excluded by legal barriers and failures to recognise relevant rights and elements of culture.

Structural barriers, including racism, restricted the influence of under-resourced communities and Māori in licensing decisions and weakened risk assessment, which may hinder community efforts to reduce their disproportionate exposure to alcohol outlets. Licensing systems should be reviewed from equity and Indigenous perspectives.