Inaugural meeting of Alcohol Liaison Group

For immediate release: 2 September 2013

Kawerau, Opotiki and Whakatane District Councils along with Government agencies from across the Eastern Bay of Plenty met on Friday 30 August 2013, to share resources and provide a joined-up approach to reducing alcohol-related harm in the Eastern Bay.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty Alcohol Liaison Group held their first meeting in Ōpōtiki to agree the new Terms of Reference and outcomes expected for the group.

The New Zealand Police and Toi Te Ora Public Health Service have joined with the three District Councils to improve the monitoring and enforcement of licensed premises.

Barbara Dempsey, Ōpōtiki District Council Regulatory Manager, explained some of the benefits of working together in this forum.

“Each of the agencies represents a different focus and has different responsibilities, but we all see the effects of alcohol-related harm on the Eastern Bay of Plenty community. This group provides an opportunity to work together to achieve some concrete outcomes, share information and communicate with a united front,” Mrs Dempsey said.

The Local Alcohol Polices come into force in early 2014 and it is expected that this group will be able to establish a combined agency agreement on roles and responsibilities in liquor licensing and to monitor the parameters of the new policy.

Julie Gardyne Whakatāne District Council’s Manager, Policy, said “there are a number of major changes happening around the country relating to alcohol licensing and it is important for a group like this to provide oversight and evaluation for the region.”

“I look forward to working with the other agencies represented in the Liaison Group and using the combined approach to improve communication and enforcement and reduce alcohol related harm for the community.”

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