Liquor reform
The alcohol reforms announced today by the Government will give councils and their communities the opportunity to shape an alcohol policy that meets their needs.
Under the reforms communities will have a greater say on licensing applications and will be able to raise issues such as trading hours, the location of liquor outlets, the density of liquor outlets and the impact a liquor outlet will have on the proposed area.
In making decisions the licensing authority will also have to take into account the area's Local Alcohol Policy if there is one in place.
Regions, town and communities around the country are all unique and the reforms announced today will allow them to tackle the issue of alcohol licensing and consumption in a way that directly addresses their needs, says Local Government New Zealand President Lawrence Yule.
The reforms will also see changes to the implementation of liquor bans allowing them to be more targeted and also cover private property such as car parks and school grounds.
Mr Yule says the extension of liquor ban provisions to cover private property such as car parks and school grounds will help local authorities to manage drinking in places which have previously been areas of concern for some councils.
The reforms announced today also included an extension to the powers of liquor licensing inspectors. Under the reforms inspectors will be able to observe bar management practices and levels of intoxication of patrons so that evidence of offences or breaches of licence conditions can be gathered. Currently inspectors have to identify themselves to bar management upon arrival.
Lawrence Yule
President, Local Government New Zealand
Posted 23 August 2010
