June 2014
Hi Suzanne
Welcome to Liquor Link – a regular update from Auckland Council about alcohol licensing and alcohol issues in Auckland.
The focus for many of you will now be on the draft Local Alcohol Policy which was presented to councillors on 13 May, with many industry stakeholders in attendance. The policy, informed by engagement with hospitality and retail industries, police, the Medical Officer of Health, licensing inspectors and health agencies, was approved by council and the public will be able to make submissions on the draft policy from 16 June. Points of interest from the draft LAP are outlined below along with a timeline but we do recommend that you view the LAP Overview document.
Rob Abbott, Auckland Council Alcohol Licensing.
Auckland Council Draft Local Alcohol Policy
The draft LAP outlines how Auckland Council will apply new rules across the whole of the region, with a special focus on areas most in need and where the new rules will have the greatest impact on reducing alcohol- related harm. The draft policy also sets out conditions that can be applied to alcohol licences to improve standards across Auckland.
The policy will control:
- where new alcohol licences are allowed
- how many new alcohol licences are allowed
- when bars, restaurants and nightclubs can be open
- when bottle shops and supermarkets can sell alcohol.
Policy areas have been allocated
The draft Local Alcohol Policy divides Auckland into two main areas. Broad Area A, which includes Auckland’s city centre and the commercial areas of Ponsonby and Newton, and Broad Area B, which incorporates the rest of the Auckland region.
This split recognises the unique nature of the central city and its role as the region’s main entertainment hub. It allows the draft policy to provide special rules to match the aspirations to develop the central city as a vibrant, yet safe and welcoming environment at all hours.
Maximum trading hours proposed
On-licences: the policy proposes an overall reduction in the hours these businesses will be allowed to be open:
- 9am to 3am for businesses in the central city, Ponsonby and Newton (Broad Area A) and
- 9am to 1am across the rest of Auckland (Broad Area B)
Extensions to maximum trading hours are a possibility for best practice operators who wish to apply for an extension of up to two hours in the morning or evening (not both), for a trial period of 12 months.
The policy also proposes standard maximum hours for caterers of 9am to 1am.
Off-licences (including supermarkets): the policy proposes that all off-licences will have the same trading hours 9am to 10pm, a change from the current 7am-11pm trading times.
Temporary freeze on new off-licences
Due to the large number of alcohol retail outlets and the impact this is having on alcohol-related harm, a temporary freeze on all new off-licences is being proposed. From the date the policy comes into effect, no new licences will be granted for two years in Broad Area A and high priority areas.
A lot more detail is laid out in the Overview that will be available from June 16 and if you would like more in-depth information you can see a complete copy of the policy document by going to our website.
Have your say
If where and when alcohol can be sold is important to you, have your say now. Only those who submit on the draft policy will be able to have their say on the next stages of the process later this year. So get involved, help shape Auckland’s alcohol policy and play your part in making Auckland the world’s most liveable city.
An overview of the draft LAP and submission forms will soon be available from Libraries, Auckland Council Service Centres and Local Board offices. You will also be able to view it online and download a submission form, please visit www.shapeauckland.co.nz
Key dates:
- 16 June - 16 July 2014 Public submissions accepted
- September 2014 Public submissions discussed
- October/November 2014 Provisional LAP to be accepted by council
- Late 2014 Provisional policy can be appealed
- Early 2015 After any appeals are complete the Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy will be adopted
Information on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act
If licensees are unsure of the new laws please engage with your association, consultant or representative to establish exactly how these changes may affect you. Updated FAQs Changes for Licensees and an FAQ on Fees are available now on the council’s website www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/alcohol
Pass it on...
With the changes to alcohol licensing affecting so many of us, it’s important to talk directly about issues affecting Aucklanders. Please forward this email to others who are interested in alcohol issues for sign up to regular updates.
Contact details
Can’t find an answer to your question? Auckland Council’s alcohol licensing team are on hand to answer more complex questions and can be contacted via email liquorlicensing@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
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