Introduction of further Auckland City alcohol bans postponed

The introduction of additional alcohol bans in Auckland City will be postponed until the effectiveness of the city centre alcohol ban, which comes into force on 26 September 2002, is reviewed in June 2003 and the new Local Government Bill is introduced.

A ban taking effect on September 26, 2002 prohibits drinking alcohol in public places in the city centre from 9pm to 6am, from Thursday evenings to Sunday mornings and is part of the council’s wider agenda to make the city a safer, healthier and more enjoyable environment.

The ban covers an area roughly bordered by Quay Street, Hobson Street, K’ Road, Queen Street, Mayoral Drive, Kitchener Street, Fort Street, Britomart Place and the public streets around the Viaduct.

“This is the first alcohol ban to be introduced in the city and it is imperative that this is comprehensively reviewed before any plans are made to extend either the hours or geographical area,” says Councillor Noelene Raffills, chair of the Council’s Law and Order Committee.

“Similar concerns have been raised by other communities over alcohol related problems in their parts of the city. While the new Local Government Bill, due to be introduced in July next year, will give the council the power to pass a bylaw introducing a city-wide alcohol ban, caution would need to be exercised in deciding whether to do so. We are looking forward to further public debate on this important issue,” she says.

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