MEDIA RELEASE
14 February 2005

Council adopts revised alcohol strategy

Auckland City's Public Safety and Community Order Committee today voted to adopt a revised alcohol strategy. The strategy builds on achievements to date and aims to help reduce alcohol-related harm and ensure consistency in all council policies relating to alcohol.

The draft alcohol strategy was developed after consultation with key stakeholders identified the need for an alcohol strategy.

It went out for public consultation on 2 August 2004. Fifty one submissions were received.

In line with Auckland City’s vision of a vibrant, dynamic CBD, the strategy recommends the following:
- allowing any new licensed premises in the CBD to open until 3am. These hours can be extended if certain conditions are met. Entertainment licences (nightclubs) will be granted 24/7 licences. If complaints are proven then licensed premises could, through the Liquor Licensing Authority hearing process, have their closing times brought back to an earlier time
- Council will prohibit licensed venues operating within 30 metres of a primary, intermediate or high school
- Council will develop and facilitate alcohol-free events.

The changes will not affect existing licensed premises.

Councillor Mulholland says the strategy includes all the activities the council will be involved in for the next three years.

“The alcohol strategy looks at preventing the problem rather than trying to put a band aid on it when it's too late. We're all for people having fun and enjoying a drink but we want to pro-actively work with the community to minimise alcohol misuse,” says Mr Mulholland.

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 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.

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