Wellington's mayor has weighed in over a controversial liquor store. 

A liquor license hearing is under way over the Khandallah proposal that's attracted 500 objectors.

It's been moved to the Michael Fowler Centre to accommodate the high interest. 

Mayor Justin Lester told Heather du Plessis Allen he's concerned about the alcohol harm the store will bring. 

"The community, they've come out in strong numbers and said they don't want this, and that's their view and something that I am happy to support." 

However, there is some support. Economist and Khandallah resident Eric Crampton told Heather du Plessis-Allan the suburb is known to be resistant to change. 

He says it's hard to imagine a suburb with fewer risk characteristics for a bottle store. 

"If council's intention really were to ban even Khandallah from having on, you would have expected the local alcohol policy to have a flat out ban on any new licenses." 

The applicant's lawyer, John Young, has rubbished claims it will create crime and disorder.

He says he accepts that opposition is genuine, but he does not accept claims the bottle store will inevitably bring disorder to Khandallah Village. 

"The applicant's experience is that such behaviour never occurs in or around any stores he owns."