Councillor Welcomes Local Alcohol Policy

Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Calum Penrose is welcoming the release of the draft Local Alcohol Policy and is encouraging communities across Auckland to have their say on the draft policy.

Under the Sale of Alcohol Act 2012, Parliament gave Councils the ability to put in place Local Alcohol Policies (LAP) to be able to reduce the harm that alcohol causes in their communities.

“The draft LAP passed by Auckland Council’s Regional Policy and Strategy Committee yesterday for consultation is a comprehensive document, which will empower the Council and decision makers with a number of tools whereby we can effectively reduce alcohol related harm across Auckland.” Says Councillor Calum Penrose.

“One of the key measures the Policy puts in place, are restricted trading hours for off-licences for 9am-10pm and also a temporary freeze on the number of off-licences in parts of Auckland.

“The evidence which underpins this policy clearly points towards a strong correlation between alcohol related harm increasing where there is ease of access to alcohol. This policy has tools in it, which can be used by District Licencing Committees to begin to address this harm when licencing bars, restaurants and off-licence stores.

“This Policy has only come about because of the work of people like Manurewa Local Board Chair Angela Dalton and Manurewa Local Board Member Hon. George Hawkins who have consistently said that alcohol policy should be decided locally.

“I will be looking forward to our communities having their say on what their Local Alcohol Policy should say. While the policy isn’t perfect, and it won’t suit everyone, we need to remember that this is in draft form, and it is an opportunity for the local community to be able to have their say on what has been released.” Says Mr Penrose.

ENDS

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