Media release
24 November 2010

Council plans broad submission on alcohol reforms

A comprehensive submission on the government’s Alcohol Reform Bill by Auckland Council may also include its position on issues of wide community concern outside the council’s responsibilities and powers.

These include alcohol pricing, advertising and blood alcohol limits for drivers, the Regional Development and Operations Committee agreed.
The submission will cover feedback from workshops with the Community Safety Forum and local boards, and community engagement meetings.

The draft submission will be reported to the full council meeting on 16 December and is due to the Justice and Electoral Select Committee by 1 February 2011.

“There was strong councillor support for broadening our scope of commentary in the submission to the government given the wide community interest in alcohol issues,” said Councillor Ann Hartley, committee chairperson.

The council’s regulatory roles include:
o licensing
o management of licensed premises
o enforcement
o licensing trusts and community trusts
o fees
o liquor bans

The policy objectives of the bill include reducing excessive drinking by young people and adults, reducing harm from alcohol, responsible sale and consumption of alcohol, and improving community input in local licensing decisions.
If enacted the bill will introduce a new system of control over the sale and supply of alcohol, repealing and replacing the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

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