Plans, policies and reports
Liquor bans
Liquor bans
Why Auckland has liquor bans |
Liquor ban areas |
Temporary liquor bans |
Powers of the police
Why
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
