Mangawhai liquor ban balances police concerns and public enjoyment
Thursday 18 December 2008, 11:25AM
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Mangawhai will have a year-round liquor ban between 8.30pm and 7.00am in all public places from 24 December this year.
Changes to Liquor Control Bylaws, approved by Kaipara District Council today (17 December ), make it illegal to possess or consume alcohol during these hours in any public place owned or controlled by the Council in Mangawhai Village, Mangawhai Heads and the Mangawhai Heads Surf Beach areas.
Council has previously imposed a ban from 6.00pm on New Years Eve to 8.00am on 1 January at Mangawhai but Police asked for a 24 hour ban operating 365 days a year, expressing concern at the connection between alcohol and abusive and destructive behaviour.
In an attempt to accommodate Police concerns while allowing responsible drinkers an opportunity to enjoy a drink with a picnic, Council proposed a 7.00pm to 7.00am year-round restriction which was advertised for public comment in October.
Forty Nine submissions were received; 45 supported an extension of liquor controls in Mangawhai although some, including the Mangawhai Business Association suggested a later starting time.
After considering these the Hearings Committee recommended a year-round ban but delaying the start time until 8.30pm rather than 7.00pm. This was approved by Council today.
The Mangawhai decision does not affect the current 24 hour all-year-round ban in Dargaville business area which remains in force. The possibility of introducing liquor bans in other areas will be considered next year.
Following Council’s 2008 public consultation, when communities were asked their views on liquor bans, requests were received from Police, groups and individuals for bans in Pahi, Whakapirau, Maungaturoto, Paparoa, Kaiwaka and Ruawai, plus Glinks Gully and parts of Kaihu.
Council plans to release a Statement of Proposal alongside the Kaipara’s Future - Working Together Plan 2009/19 next March to seek public opinion on these and will also hold further talks with major interest groups like Police and the Liquor Accord.