7 July 2008

Have your say on proposed liquor control bylaw

Waitakere residents are encouraged to have their say on the draft Control of Liquor in Public Places Bylaw 2008, which could give the Council the power to prohibit the consumption and possession of alcohol in certain public places.

In particular, the council wants to hear about what areas of the city people feel are in need of liquor controls and why.

A public meeting to discuss the draft bylaw is being held at the council chambers on 16 July at 6pm.

The Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee, with support from Police, has agreed to recommendations on which to consult with the public.

A key recommendation is the introduction of 24-hour liquor bans in certain town centre areas, designed to reduce alcohol-related crime and improve the safety of the general public.

The central business districts of Henderson, New Lynn, Glen Eden, Te Atatu Peninsula, Titirangi and Westgate would all have liquor bans if the bylaw is adopted. There is also a proposal to impose bans in selected parks and reserves. .

A new or amended bylaw will enable the Council to introduce additional liquor control areas and define the periods during which the liquor control operates and give it the power to introduce further liquor controls in the future, by resolution, including for special events.

Two public surveys have shown about 90% public support for the concept of liquor bans in identified trouble spots.

Councillor Vanessa Neeson, chairman of the Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee says Police and Council data and show that there is significant alcohol-related crime in parts of the City.

"The public are completely fed-up with alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour that makes them feel unsafe, so this is in response to the plea from the people for us to do something,” she says.

"Because the proposed bans would make it illegal to consume liquor - or even possess liquor without good reason - within the ban areas, police will be better able to pre-empt trouble. They will have the power to remove liquor from people’s possession before they have the chance to get drunk.”

Submissions can be made online at www.waitakere.govt.nz under the Have Your Say section. Submission forms are also available in information packs from the council, libraries and community centres, or by calling the council call centre on 839 0400. The pack is also available online at www.waitakere.govt.nz.

Submissions close at 4pm on 21 July, 2008.

ENDS

© Scoop Media