27 May 2015

Local Boards give feedback on District Licensing Committee

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Boards have made recommendations to ensure fair and consistent liquor licensing decisions that are respected by local communities.

A review is currently underway looking at the structure of the District Licensing Committee (DLC) set up to make liquor licensing decisions under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (the Act).

Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chairs Lemauga Lydia Sosene and Fa'anānā Efeso Collins say DLC decisions need to be fairer, more transparent, and reduce the negative impacts of alcohol on local communities.

“We want to bring the DLC back to the main purpose of the Act – that is to reduce the negative effects of alcohol and to give locals a fair say about its sale, supply and consumption in their own communities. We are concerned with whether the current DLC setup is achieving these outcomes,” says Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Fa'anānā Efeso Collins.

“The DLC should better support local involvement in decision-making with a reasonable, more accessible process. It’s important we don’t deter community input with complicated information, unreasonable processes, and intimidating cross-examination,” says Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene.

“We put a cap on new licenses and have been clear that the number of outlets in these communities needs to reduce over time. DLC decisions should be made in accordance with these policies.”

The boards are calling for consistency in DLC decisions, suggesting all cases being reviewed by an independent senior legal practitioner and increasing the capability of the DLC.

“Training and development for DLC members must emphasise a full and measured interpretation of both the Act and the upcoming Local Alcohol Policy,” says Mr Collins.

“What’s also crucial is that each panel has representation from the local area in question. To make this localised decision, the panel needs to be aware of specific community needs and alcohol-related issues,” says Ms Sosene.

The boards will be presenting their feedback on 4th June to the Regional Strategy and Policy committee considering feedback on the DLC review.

ENDS

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