Media Statement

2 July 2013

Local Decision Makers needed for Liquor Licence Applications

Manurewa and Papakura Civic leaders are calling for locals across Auckland to put their hand up to make decisions on Liquor licence applications with applications closing on the 8th of July.

Under the new Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, Council's now have the responsibility of setting up District Licensing Committees to hear applications for liquor licenses, listen to objections and make a decision on whether to grant the license.

Auckland Council is currently seeking applicants to sit on these committees, with a deadline for applications by the 8th of July.

"This is an ideal job for someone who is looking for some part time work and wanting to give back to their community." Says Manurewa Local Board Chair Angela Dalton.

"Ideally every 2 local boards in Auckland should have a local District Licencing Committee for the area. This will ensure that the local voice is not lost at the decision making table, and to ensure that the people making the decisions on license applications actually have an understanding of the local issues which will be caused by the license if it is approved.

"I have written to all Local Boards in Auckland expressing my concern over the model Auckland Council is creating and hope all Local Boards encourage local residents to put their name forward for this important community service role." Says Ms Dalton.

Manurewa Local Board Member Simeon Brown says Auckland Council is currently proposing a 'one size fits all' model for Auckland with only one District Licensing Committee for all of Auckland instead of having multiple committees for different parts of Auckland. This is a particularly important issue for Manurewa and the wider South Auckland area.

"Everyone is aware of the alcohol related harm that is caused in South Auckland every year. What is needed is local South Auckland residents sitting on a local committee which is able to hear the concerns of local residents." Mr Brown Says.

"This is the intent of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act, giving the power back to the community so that they can be the ones who make the decisions on where liquor can be sold, what hours of the day it can be sold for and how many licenses there should be in an area.

"This is about putting people first. I simply can't understand how someone from the north of Auckland could decide a license application for a bottle shop in Manurewa and vice versa.

"To ensure that we have this local say, Auckland Council needs to have many applications put forward by residents who are willing to sit on these committees.

Manurewa-Papakura Councillor Calum Penrose says he will be voting for Model 2 that is put forward by Council which will set up 9 District Licensing Committees across Auckland and encourages his fellow council colleagues to vote this way also when the issue comes before the governing body in August.

"This option costs only a fraction more than a 'one size fits all' model, it allows for local people to decide local licences, and it will only require a few more people to sit on these committees.

"I encourage all Aucklanders who are passionate about their communities and want to serve them in some way to put their name forward for these positions.

"The more the merrier." Councillor Calum Penrose says.

ENDS

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