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Takapuna residents unsurprised by alcohol harm levels

Published: Thu 4 Sep 2014 11:48 AM
Takapuna residents unsurprised by alcohol harm levels in Auckland
Takapuna Central Residents Group which represents 1500 plus residents living within central Takapuna is not surprised that Aucklanders experience more harm from alcohol than the country as a whole. Group spokesperson Steve Schroder says that those living near the area’s on-license venues see and hear the problems first hand on a regular basis.
These problems include gross intoxication, anti social behaviour, excessive noise, violence and property damage. This behaviour is predominately associated with the younger vulnerable age groups. Long time residents including ex policemen and local business owners have noticed the increasing occurrences of public disorder and lack of respect for private property. This type of behaviour is exacerbated when ever a 3am special license is issued due to the increased levels of intoxication.
Takapuna CBD building manager Brent Mathieson says that around the weekends from the beach reserve to Hurstmere Road he and other residents are having to clean up the empty alcohol containers and other associated paraphernalia on his properties boundaries in the aftermath of pre and side loading youths using it as a dumping ground.
Mr Schroder says the Group has called for better controls on licensed premises in Takapuna in their submission on Auckland’s Draft Local Alcohol Policy.
The Group has made a number of recommendations in its written submission on the Draft LAP, including adding Takapuna to the Priority Overlay in Broad Area B, maximum opening hours of 1am with no extensions, a one way door policy, stricter criteria around the design, build and location of on-licenses and more community involvement in the Environmental and Cumulative Impact Assessments.
Takapuna's unique location, compact environment and planned future residential development will expose it to a high level of alcohol related stress, where high density residential populations and communities will be exposed to a significant risk of harm from alcohol. We hope council will address the anomalies that were created under their old plan, which was to allow an entertainment area to be established in close proximity to residential living environments. If this action is taken it would ensure that future generations will not have to endure the same alcohol related problems and can enjoy the amenity of their environment.
This additional evidence provided by Auckland's Alcohol Executive Planning Group supports the reality of the situation within our communities. The decision makers have an opportunity to implement evidence based policies to reduce alcohol harm. It is imperative that these decision makers keep going back to the intent of this legislation and the object of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act (2012), and what the evidence tells us will work to reduce harm. If we do this, decisions will be simple and the goal of reducing alcohol-related harm within the community will be achieved.
“We love living in Takapuna and want to ensure that it is a safe and vibrant place to live and play, where residents and visitors can enjoy the unique amenities and recreationally activities that Takapuna offers.”
Ends…..

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