Liquor licensing to continue as normal

Draft liquor licensing policy consultation process stopped: Liquor licensing in Auckland city will continue as normal.

From City Scene, published on 18 October, 2009.

Liquor licensing in Auckland city will continue as normal, after the City Development Committee formally recommended to council to stop the draft liquor licensing policy consultation process at the close of the written submission period, earlier this month.

Feedback will still be used, with outcomes of the written submissions reported to next month's committee meeting, along with options for future liquor licensing development.

"Given the nature of the feedback, we thought we should revisit the process," says Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, chairperson of the City Development Committee.

With the Law Commission review of the Sale of Liquor Act also now under way, the national framework for liquor regulation has yet to be confirmed.

A submission from Auckland City Council on the Law Commission's issues paper outlines the council's position that there should be greater local control over the sale and supply of liquor.

Auckland City Council currently has the role of District Licensing Agency under current legislation.

"The reduction of alcohol-related harm is best achieved through working in partnership with community and other key stakeholders," says Councillor Paul Goldsmith, chairperson of the Community Services Committee.

Visit the Liquor licences section online for more information.