Wendy's plan to sell alcohol provokes outcry

People would only be able to buy alcohol with food and managers would go through training programmes, Lendich said.

'It is Wendy's view that responsible consumption of alcohol in a family restaurant setting is a positive outcome and we have every confidence that we will sell alcohol safely and responsibly,' Lendich said.

'Our principal business will remain the provision of meals to the public and we have no intention of becoming a bar or hangout where people sit all night and drink beer.'

Christchurch West Information Hub co-ordinator Kirstin Dingwall-Okoye hoped to muster 'as many objections as possible.'

'This concerns me because Wendy's is a traditional burger restaurant, usually aimed at being family friendly,' she said.

'It is often packed with school-age children after school and in the holidays. It is also often staffed by kids as an after school/holiday job. It also concerns me that this may set a precedent for family 'burger' style restaurants, not just in Hornby, but in other centres around Christchurch and New Zealand. I believe it is imperative that a strong community lead (sic) objection is raised against this.'