Banks Backs Greater Community Say On Alcohol

Hon. John Banks
Mayor of Auckland City

22 August 2010

Media Statement

Banks Backs Greater Community Say On Alcohol

Auckland Mayor John Banks has welcomed the changes to liquor laws that the Government will announce tomorrow.

“I am encouraged to hear the Minister is focused on the real issues around alcohol, such as the harm it causes to our young and its public nuisance.

“I absolutely agree with the Minister’s view that licenses – whether on or off licenses – should be harder to get and easier to lose.

“Alcohol abuse is the single most important social issue facing a greater Auckland. “The proliferation of retail booze outlets has driven an epidemic of alcohol related violence and community dislocation.” Justice Minister Simon Power outlined some of the Government’s plans on TVNZ’s Q&A this morning. They include the community being able to have a greater say in where and when alcohol is sold.

“Currently the community gets little say in whether a shop selling cheap booze is set up on their street and liquor outlets in Manukau have almost trebled in number in the last 20 years.

“With hundreds of locals turning out recently in Manukau City to protest the proliferation of alcohol outlets, it is obvious the Government’s moves will be supported there.”

Mayor Banks says the changes will suit the new set up of the Auckland Council.

“I’m very supportive of local boards having a say in forming liquor policy under a central framework.

“Communities that are concerned about off-licensing numbers would be able to address those concerns without impacting on other parts of Auckland that welcome vibrancy and quality establishments."

“If elected Mayor, I will work with local boards to ensure that they can move quickly to implement the spirit of these changes that the government is suggesting."

However, Mayor Banks says we must be careful not to punish everyone.

“We must also take into account that there are many people in our communities who do drink responsibly and we can’t punish them for the faults of others.

“We will have to be flexible enough to ensure we keep our vibrancy, soul and social character while at the same time focusing on the proliferation of cheap outlets that are contributing to most of the problems.

“The new Auckland Council must come to grips with the twin evils of drug and alcohol related crime.”

ENDS