Council Seeks Feedback On Liquor Bylaw

Manukau City Council is asking the public for feedback on its draft liquor control bylaw 2004.

The draft bylaw confirms existing liquor controls, identifies several new areas that will be subject to future liquor controls and gives Council the power to create or remove controls through Council resolution.

Manager Clean Environment Mohammed Hassan is encouraging people to obtain a copy of the bylaw, either via the internet or Call Centre, and send in their comments.

“This is an issue that affects a lot of people so it’s important that interested parties have their say. The bylaw will be in existence for a while so we need to make sure we are covering all the bases from the beginning. We will only know this if people participate in the process,” said Mr Hassan.

Mr Hassan says people who send in a submission will have the opportunity to be heard at a Council Committee before a final decision is made.

Issues relating to drinking in public places have become a concern to the Council and the community at large over the last few years. In 2002 Council adopted an alcohol strategy that identified several tools to reduce alcohol related problems. Regulatory measures such as bylaws and District Plan changes were included in the strategy.

Mayor Sir Barry Curtis says, "There's a clear message coming from the community - alcohol abuse in public places is a growing problem right across the City and we need to find ways to control it”. "The Council's come up with a bylaw to help deal with the situation and now we need to know what the community thinks. No final decisions will be made without wide consultation.”

"It’s a carrot and stick approach we're advocating - toughen up the rules and controls, and change peoples' attitudes and behaviour at the same time”.

The public consultation period ends on 13 February 2004. Comments should be forwarded to Mohammed Hassan, Manukau City Council, Private Bag 76917, Manukau. For more information on the liquor bylaws visit http://www.manukau.govt.nz.

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