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Plans, policies and reports
Plans, policies and reports
Liquor bans

Liquor bans

Why Auckland has liquor bans | Liquor ban areas | Temporary liquor bans | Powers of the police


DrinksafeWhy Auckland has liquor bans

The issue of liquor (and particularly its misuse) continues to generate significant community concern. This concern is supported by research that identifies liquor misuse as a factor in a wide range of behaviours that have negative impacts on individuals and communities.

Liquor bans attempt to address these behaviours through banning the consumption of liquor in certain public places within Auckland city. The police are responsible for enforcing these liquor bans.

Who will be affected?

These liquor bans prohibit people from bringing, carrying or drinking alcohol in public places within a ban area. This includes the possession or drinking of alcohol in vehicles within ban areas.

Liquor bans do not cover private property or licensed premises, including any outdoor pavement seating attached to licensed premises.

Alcohol may also be carried through ban areas to and from private homes and licensed premises as long as the alcohol is promptly taken from the ban areas. Off licences are not affected either - as long as the alcohol purchased is removed quickly from the ban area.

In most cases, people will be given the opportunity by the police to leave the area or tip their alcohol out before they or their car are searched. The police can confiscate alcohol as evidence. The legislation allows the courts to issue a fine of up to $20,000 if a conviction is made.

An application can be made to Auckland City Council for a specific exemption from a liquor ban for a special event being held within a liquor ban area.

Updated December 2008

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