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Liquor licensing proposals for Auckland city

From City Scene, published on 23 August, 2009.

Aucklanders will soon have the opportunity to give their views on Auckland City Council's draft liquor licensing policy. It has been referred to council on Thursday, 27 August and, if endorsed, will then go out for a month-long public consultation.

The draft policy relates to all on, off and club licences for the sale or supply of liquor in Auckland city. It will apply to new licensees as well as the renewal of existing licensees, and addresses matters such as hours and objections to licence applications.

Working within the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, the policy will guide the council in its role as a district licensing agency (DLA). It will be used to support the safe and responsible enjoyment of liquor, and provide a framework for consistent decision-making regarding liquor licensing.

Chairperson of the City Development Committee, Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, says it's important that the council's liquor licensing policy reflects community needs.

"For this policy to work, initial feedback has emphasised that we must balance access to alcohol, with keeping the community safe.

"The draft policy encourages host responsibility and best practice, and recognises that different parts of the city have different liquor licensing needs."

He adds, "We encourage community groups and all interested parties to have their say when consultation begins at the end of the month."

If endorsed by council, the public consultation will run from 7 September until 7 October 2009. Submitters will also be given the opportunity to present verbal submissions to a hearings panel in October/November 2009.

This panel will then write a report outlining the submissions received and recommending a final policy to the council by December 2010.

The Law Commission's current review of New Zealand's liquor legislation has been taken into consideration during the development of the council's draft policy, as well as two proposed bills relating to liquor legislation which are still at select committee stage.

"It is very timely that the Law Commission's review is out for consultation, simultaneous to Auckland City Council's new draft policy. It provides a good opportunity to have robust debate about these issues which greatly affect our communities," says Mr Bhatnagar.

For more information about the council's draft liquor licensing policy and how you can have your say when consultation opens on the 7th of September, visit Liquor licensing policy - draft section or phone Auckland City Council.

Licence examples

On-license: Bars, pubs, restaurants, nightclubs

Off-license: Bottle stores, supermarkets

Club license: Sports and social clubs.

Draft liquor policy: the proposal

A variety of options have been assessed in the development of the draft policy and significant research and consultation has also been undertaken.

The option which has formed the basis of the draft liquor licensing policy proposes graduated closing hours for on-licences and a consistent closing time for off-licences. It also introduces incentives to reward good management behaviour by incorporating host responsibility measures as licensing conditions.

This option has been recommended because:

• it recognises the different licensing needs of different areas of the city - as reflected in stakeholder feedback
• provides consistency and transparency to licensees, decision-making authorities and the community
• supports Auckland's reputation as an international city where people can enjoy liquor safely and responsibly
• staggers closing times for on-licences across the city, which assists monitoring and enforcement
• takes into consideration the Sale of Liquor (Objections to Applications) Bill, the Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill as well as the current Law Commission Review.