Call for public views on permanent liquor ban
September 12, 2005

North Shore City Council is calling for public comment on a permanent overnight liquor ban in designated areas of the city.

The proposed liquor ban affects mainly beach and foreshore areas across the city. Some town centre and reserve areas are also included. It is expected that the liquor ban will take effect before the end of the year.

The city's community boards have already given their feedback on the proposed liquor ban.

North Shore City Council regulatory committee chairperson, Callum Blair, says the overnight liquor ban has been proposed to provide a safer environment for the general public, to minimise the problems associated with excessive drinking, and to assist the police in crime prevention.

Problems associated with excessive drinking include general disorder, litter and broken glass, damage to private and public property, and street racing.

Residents in some beachside areas have been calling for liquor bans to prevent these sorts of problems.

The Local Government Act of 2002 allows councils to impose permanent overnight bans, whereas the old act of 1974 provided for one-off bans only.

The proposed permanent ban would operate between the hours of 10pm and 6am during daylight saving hours, and between 9pm and 6am outside of daylight saving. "The overnight liquor ban would not preclude the law-abiding citizen from having a glass of wine or can of beer at the beach or picnic spot outside of the restricted hours," says Councillor Blair.

The public now has a month to have its say, with submissions closing on October 14, 2005. For more information or a submission form, residents should contact the council's Actionline on 486 8600.

ENDS

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