Thursday 16 May 2013

Draft Local Alcohol Policy adopted for consultation

Christchurch City Council's draft Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) has been
adopted for public consultation at today's Council meeting.

The draft LAP, a provision of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012,
aims to minimise alcohol related harm in the city and ensure the sale,
supply and consumption of alcohol is undertaken safely and responsibly.
It has been developed by the Council after ongoing discussions with
groups such as the Police, health groups and hospitality
representatives, as well as a community survey, a second survey
targeting youth and other additional background research.

Mayor Bob Parker says the Council is keen to see what people think about
the draft LAP and whether they feel it best fits the needs of
Christchurch.

"This is a local alcohol policy and we want it to address local issues.
We need to hear from the people of Christchurch, to see whether or not
they feel we have got it right and encourage them to make a submission.

"While we realise it will not solve all alcohol-related issues in the
city, it can be part of a wider, multi-faceted approach to reducing
harm."

Councillor Sue Wells, who will be chairing the hearings process for the
draft LAP, says, "There are many and varied views on this issue and we
want to hear them."

Consultation on the draft LAP opens on Friday 31 May 2013 and will close
at 5pm on Monday 1 July 2013. Submissions can be made through the
Council website www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay or in writing to the
Council, from the consultation opening date.

Key components of the draft LAP are:

* A closing time of 3am in the Central City Entertainment
Precincts (excluding Victoria Street) for taverns, bars, pubs,
night-clubs and clubs, with a one-way door policy from 1am.
* A closing time of 1am elsewhere in the Central City (including
Victoria Street) for taverns, bars, pubs, night-clubs and clubs, with a
discretionary one-way door policy where appropriate.
* A closing time of 1am in suburban areas of the city for taverns,
bars, pubs, night-clubs and clubs, with a discretionary one-way door
policy where appropriate.
* Maximum trading hours for selling alcohol of 9am until 9pm for
all off-licences in Christchurch.

The Council also resolved to establish a committee of the full Council
to consider, deliberate and decide on any submissions to the draft LAP.
The committee will be chaired by Cr Sue Wells and hearings will take
place in July 2013.

The provisional LAP will then be publicly notified in early 2014 and
open to appeals. Final adoption of a LAP is not likely to be until mid
to late 2014, depending on the length of the appeal process.

- ends -

© Scoop Media