Safe drinking advocates are celebrating, over a licensing decision refusing 'buy now, pay later' schemes in bottle stores

Panmure's Bottle-O on Queens Road license renewal was opposed by the Auckland Licensing Committee, until it removed its after pay services.

Evidence in the hearing outlined that almost 200 of the store's customers, have debts of almost 1000 dollars each on a buy now, pay later scheme.

In its decision, the committee outlined an expectation, that the Inspectorate brings any applicants using similar schemes, before them.

Alcohol Healthwatch Director Andrew Galloway says it puts all bottle stores using the service, on notice.