Work begins on Local Alcohol Policy

Christchurch City Council will engage with the community on a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) now the Alcohol Reform Bill has been passed by Parliament.

The Alcohol Reform Bill, which was passed yesterday, includes a provision for councils to develop their own individual LAPs.  The policy will allow the community to have more say in where and how licensed premises operate in the city than at present.

Planning Committee Chairperson Sue Wells says the drafting of a LAP is a key piece of work for the Council.
“We are now finally in a position to be able to progress it and look forward to starting on that early in the New Year."

Strategic Policy Unit Manager Alan Bywater says Council staff have been carrying out background work with key stakeholders, such as the Medical Officer of Health, the Police and Hospitality New Zealand. Now the legislation has been passed the Council will consult with the wider community to form a policy that best fits the needs of the city.

“The Council will work with key agencies to develop the policy and will also talk to local communities to get their input. There will be engagement with interested groups and individuals, as well as formal consultation in line with legislative requirements.”

Other background work being carried out in preparation for the LAP has included a random survey of 4,200 Christchurch (including Banks Peninsula) residents to get their views on alcohol in the community.

Preliminary findings from the survey should be available early in the New Year.

The Council, through the LAP, can regulate opening hours for licensed premises, control the location of licensed premises and make re-entry restrictions to bars in the early hours of the morning (one-way door restrictions).