2 August 2004

Alcohol strategy to reduce harm

Auckland City’s first draft alcohol strategy will be available for public comment on 2 August 2004. The draft strategy aims to help reduce alcohol-related harm and ensure consistency in all council policies relating to alcohol.

The chairperson of Auckland City’s Law and Order Committee, Councillor Noelene Raffills says, “alcohol is one of the key aggravators relating to crime in the city. It is crucial that Auckland City works with the community to pro-actively minimise the harm resulting from alcohol misuse. I urge the public to get a copy of the strategy and have their say.”

In line with Auckland City’s vision of a vibrant, dynamic CBD, the draft strategy recommends allowing licensed venues operating in the CBD to open 24 hours a day seven days a week, as long as there are no recurring noise or crowd behaviour issues.

The draft strategy also recommends that the council prohibit licensed venues operating within 100 metres of a primary, intermediate or secondary school.

If adopted the changes would not affect existing licensed premises.

Mrs Raffills says the draft strategy includes all the alcohol-related activities the council will be involved with in the next three years.

Auckland City is already involved in a number of initiatives to minimise alcohol related harm in the city, such as alcohol bans, liquor licensing policies and the establishment of alcohol accords.

The draft strategy has had input from a number of external agencies including the Hospitality Association of New Zealand, Alcohol Healthwatch, Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC) and the New Zealand Police. It has been strongly influenced by central government’s national alcohol strategy.

A copy of the alcohol strategy and feedback form can be obtained by calling Auckland City on (09) 379 2020 or the council’s website www.aucklandcity.govt.nz. Consultation closes on Friday, 3 September 2004.

ENDS

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