Liquor Bans Retained for Manurewa

The Manurewa Local Board voted tonight unanimously to retain the vast majority of alcohol drinking bans which were up for review under Auckland Council’s Alcohol Bylaw 2014.

Manurewa Local Board Chairperson Angela Dalton said that of the 70 liquor bans at risk of lapsing only 2 lacked enough evidence for the Board to retain

“The Local Board is proud of our community rallying to gather enough evidence to retain 99% of the bans which would have otherwise lapsed on the 31st of October.” Says Manurewa Local Board Chair Angela Dalton.

“Liquor bans serve an important purpose in the community. They provide police and the community with an important tool to help keep our parks and reserves free from the consumption of alcohol.

“We heard from many people in our community who have seen the harm caused by alcohol in our parks and playgrounds and who know the importance of liquor bans with managing these issues. Our decisions reflect what is needed to ensure we can keep our parks and reserves safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Manurewa Local Board Deputy Chair Simeon Brown says that the Board voted to ensure that every playground in Manurewa has a 24/7 alcohol ban.

“Alcohol bans have been put in place over every playground because children shouldn’t have to be exposed to or put at risk by alcohol related crime, rubbish and disorder.” Says Manurewa Local Board Deputy Chair, Simeon Brown.

“Playgrounds are for children to play and must be kept safe. They should never be places where people go to consume alcohol.

“Not only have we managed to retain the vast majority of our liquor bans, but we are also extending the areas that they cover to include the entire park that they are for, not just a portion of the park. This will mean that these bans can be enforced more effectively by the Police and community.

Auckland Council will be updating the signage for the alcohol ban areas once the new bans come into effect from the 1st of November.

ENDS

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