Media Release
14 March 2007

Manukau Stance on Liquor Outlet Hours Backed

Manukau City Council’s stance of having nowhere in the city selling alcohol after 3am has been backed by the Liquor Licensing Authority.

The authority rejected an appeal by Sunset Manukau in Cavendish Drive to extend its opening hours to 5am seven days a week.

The Manukau District Licensing Agency, run by Manukau City Council, had earlier referred the application to the Liquor Licensing Authority because the police and the liquor licensing inspector opposed the application.

This was done because the proposed opening hours were later than the 3am recommended in Manukau’s Alcohol Strategy. There were no issues with the company’s suitability to hold a license.

Manukau District Licensing Agency Secretary Mohammed Hassan says the Liquor Licensing Authority’s backing of the council’s position on opening hours is welcome because ultimately it has the final decision on when liquor outlets can open.

Although district licensing agencies can determine unopposed applications for a liquor licence, the Liquor Licensing Authority makes the final decisions in instances such as this. The authority is the national body for liquor licensing.

In its decision the authority praised the council’s liquor strategy for providing a consistent approach to granting liquor licenses in Manukau. The authority said the strategy provides a balanced approach between the needs of the community and the need to consider the objectives of the Sale of Liquor Act.

The decision by the authority supports the collaborative approach between the Counties Manukau Police District Licensing Unit and the Manukau District Licensing Agency.

Manukau City Council is about to begin a review of its current alcohol strategy in response to concerns from the public and elected members about alcohol abuse.

What is included in the review?
- Revisiting the problems and outcomes - are they still current?
- Evaluating the five tools in the strategy for dealing with alcohol problems - have they worked?
- Identifying and evaluating new tools for dealing with alcohol problems - including whether the council should limit the number and location of liquor outlets.

Important Dates
- April – July 2007 consultation with stakeholders and review
- September 2007 adoption of a draft reviewed alcohol strategy
- November 2007 public notification for submissions
- June 2008 adoption of reviewed alcohol strategy.

ENDS

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