Have your say on new drinking rules

Waitakere City Council is calling for submissions to its draft Liquor Licensing Policy and new citywide alcohol strategy.

The Council is updating its Sale of Liquor Policy to accommodate recent changes in legislation.

The Council also plays a key role in developing regulations, making and enforcing bylaws and ensuring public health inspections. Some 800 interested parties were invited to a workshop in April this year, and over 60 people attended. The results of the workshop were analysed and incorporated into the draft Policy. The writing of the policy was guided by a reference group, comprising the District Licensing Inspector, the Police, Safe Waitakere Alcohol Project, Alcohol Healthwatch, and Council officers.

The Council will now develop a citywide alcohol strategy – or range of strategies – with input from the community.

Key issues include noise management, the proliferation and location of licensed premises, under-age drinking, intoxicated or disorderly patrons, staff awareness, security inside and outside premises, drinking in public places and the link between gambling and drinking. These issues and proposed ways to address them are included in the draft policy document.

The Council will also review its District Plan rules relating to the number and location of, and noise from, licensed premises.

Also proposed is an amendment to the current amusement galleries’ bylaw, to correct an anomaly where minors are not permitted to be in an amusement gallery during school hours, but can be – in the company of intoxicated adults – in an establishment licensed to serve alcohol and operate amusement devices.

Making a submission For a submission for and a copy of the draft policy, visit the Council’s website at http:// http://www.waitakere.govt.nz or phone Paula Kerr at the Council on 836 8000, ext 8448.

Submissions close on August 29.

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