CCC Media Release - 27 April 2012

Public consultation on proposed permanent alcohol bans for Merivale and Papanui

Christchurch City Council is proposing permanent bans on drinking in public places for Merivale and Papanui. Temporary bans currently in place will remain until 9 September 2012.

The amendment to the 2009 Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw will help address increased violence and disorder in Merivale and Papanui, resulting from people drinking in public places. There has been a change in drinking behaviour in these areas following the movement of people from Central City hospitality zones to the suburbs after the 22 February 2011 earthquake.

Christchurch City Council Programme Manager Alan Bywater says that following a trial of the temporary alcohol bans, the Council is now looking at making them permanent.

“The temporary bans appear to have been effective and it is going to be some time before the current patterns of drinking and entertainment areas change - hence the need for permanent bans.”

“The Council is very interested in hearing from people as to whether the temporary alcohol bans have been useful or not, and whether they think the proposed bans cover the right locations, days and times.”

The bans apply from 6pm to 6am on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Written submissions on the amendment to the Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw can be made between 4 May to 6 June 2012.

Public submissions on the Merivale and Papanui bylaw proposals have to be made in writing and can be lodged between 4 May and 6 June 2012 through the Council’s Have Your Say webpage www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay, by emailing alcoholbylaw@ccc.govt.nz, or by posting to:

‘Submissions on proposed Merivale and Papanui Alcohol Bans’

Christchurch City Council

PO Box 237

Christchurch 8140

ENDS

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