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Council supports Local Alcohol Policy

Friday 28 September 2012, 1:05PM

By Christchurch City Council

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CHRISTCHURCH

The Christchurch City Council has signalled its desire for work to begin on a policy to help address alcohol issues in the city.

The Council today agreed that background work should start to prepare for a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), which is a provision of the Alcohol Reform Bill currently being considered by parliament.

Planning Committee Chair Sue Wells says the Council is waiting for the Bill to be passed to know exactly the nature of the conversations that will be required to develop the LAP.

“Staff are going to gather background information for us ahead of that so we are ready to address the issue as soon as it gets through parliament.”

Under the Alcohol Reform Bill, a LAP enables the community to have much more say in where and how licensed premises operate than at present.   The Council, through the LAP, can regulate opening hours for licensed premises, control the location of licensed premises and make one-way door restrictions.

Councillor Wells says the LAP has the potential to reduce alcohol-related incidents and issues in the city.

“We are aware there is a lot of public interest and concern about alcohol and the impact it can have on communities.  We want Christchurch residents and visitors coming here to enjoy socialising in a safe, vibrant city and see potential for a Local Alcohol Policy to be an integral part of making that happen.”

Programme Manager Strong Communities Alan Bywater says the Council will work with key agencies and stakeholders, such as the Police, the Medical Officer of Health and Hospitality New Zealand, to gather information for developing the LAP.