Otara Gambling and Alcohol Action Group says Auckland alcohol snapshot no surprise

The Otara Gambling and Alcohol Action Group (OGAAG) is not surprised by results revealed in the ‘Snapshot’ of alcohol-related harm in Auckland released today.

The Snapshot released by Auckland’s Alcohol Executive Planning Group confirms what OGAAG has known for some time. Alcohol-related harm is worse in Auckland than elsewhere.

OGAAG spokesperson Yvonne Matson says “We have got far too many liquor outlets, that are open for too many hours and who are promoting alcohol to our community 24/7. The harm follows.”

She says the community hasn’t been given the tools to address this harm so it just keeps on coming.

OGAAG’s submission on Auckland’s Draft Local Alcohol Policy calls for:

· a ‘sinking lid’ policy that this applies to both off and on-licences in priority areas.
· a permanent freeze or “regional cap” on all new on and off-licences for the entire duration of the policy
· restrictions in the maximum trading hours:
On-licences:
10am to 2am for Broad Area A (central city)
10am to 12am for Broad Area B (rest of Auckland)
10am-12am for clubs/restaurants/cafes/function centres and wineries/winery restaurants.
8am-4am for special licences.
Off-licences:
10am to 9pm. No exemptions for supermarkets.
· specific proximity controls to restrict the location of alcohol outlets near to ‘sensitive sites’ and no alcohol to be sold or consumed within 100 metres of sensitive sites
· mandatory notification to residents, owners/managers of sensitive sites and other businesses within a specified buffer zone (e.g. 100m radius) of any new or renewal licence applications and
· restrictions on advertising of alcohol on all licensed premises within a specified distance of identified sensitive sites.

Mrs Matson says “We really hope that our submission on the Draft Local Alcohol Policy will be taken on board by the Auckland Council so that communities like Otara can start getting on top of this serious community issue.”

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