Council set to ensure Auckland remains a Vibrant City

Council set to ensure Auckland remains a Vibrant City

The Auckland Council LAP (Local Alcohol Policy) Hearings Panel recently completed deliberations delivering their recommendations to full Council ready for a vote on 13 May. The Panel made some solid and pragmatic decisions to ensure the whole Auckland region remains responsible in its attitude to the consumption of alcohol without curbing the vitality of Auckland's night-time entertainment.

The main points of the recommendations include:

· On-licence Maximum Trading Hours - City Centre Area 8am - 4am; everywhere else
8am -3am.
· Off-licence Maximum Trading Hours - 9am - 9pm across the entire region, and no exceptions for supermarkets.
· No One Way Door included in the Policy.

Not allowing supermarkets any exemptions from off-licence trading hours was a logical outcome to ensure a level playing field in the commercial market place. "We are pleased the panel have been so in tune with the real reasons for a Local Alcohol Policy and have recommended a very clear and concise way forward that can support the reduction of harm caused by alcohol without limiting New Zealand's biggest and best entertainment precincts throughout Auckland.”

“Understanding that being in licensed, supervised and responsible environments is the proven safest way to ensure alcohol is consumed responsibly is a great outcome for Auckland" said Russell Gray, spokesperson for Hospitality New Zealand.

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