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Firing up - a former deputy mayor
Alcohol sellers should not get any ratepayer “subsidy” for the cost of licensing fees, says a former deputy mayor who’s labelled the practice “obscene and criminal”.
Firing up - a former deputy mayor is arguing booze outlets shouldn’t get any ratepayer subsidisation of their alcohol licensing fees, despite concerns from some hospitality outlets.
Gordon Chesterman’s comments come in response to council plans to raise fees by 34% across the board next year, by 20% the year after and 3% in subsequent years to achieve a “user pays” system.
His views have gained some support from one bar owner but are questioned strongly by several others.