NEWS RELEASE
6 August 2013

Members sought for new alcohol licensing committees

Wellington City Council is seeking expressions of interest from the wider community for appointment as commissioners or members of the city’s new District Licensing Committees.

These committees, being set up by councils around the country, will be the decision-making bodies on alcohol licensing and are part of the Government’s reforms of the sale and supply of alcohol.

From 18 December 2013, district licensing committees will replace district licensing agencies. They will decide whether a business can hold a licence to sell alcohol, including special licences for events, and approve certificates for managers of licensed premises.

Wellington City is looking to set up at least two District Licensing Committees to deal with the expected workload. The powers, functions and membership requirements are determined by the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

This is a new opportunity for people to participate in and represent Wellingtonians on alcohol-licensing decisions. The committees will need people who have an understanding of community expectations and the impact of alcohol-related harm.

Also part of the alcohol reforms, this week Wellington City Councillors will hear around 270 oral submissions from the public on the Council’s draft Local Alcohol Policy, which will regulate when and where alcohol can be sold. Consultation on the draft policy and a strategy for managing wider issues around alcohol closed last week. Both documents are expected to be finalised in September. 

More information on the District Licensing Committees, and the criteria for potential applicants, can be found on Wellington City Council’s website at: Wellington.govt.nz/district-licensing-committee

ENDS

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