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Council proposes policy with focus on reducing alcohol harm

Monday 31 August 2009, 2:32PM

By Franklin District Council

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PUKEKOHE

Franklin District Council’s first comprehensive local alcohol policy is now out for public consultation.

 

The proposed Franklin District Council Local Alcohol Policy has been developed to provide a framework for consistent liquor licensing decision-making and to establish responsible drinking practices within the district.

 

Franklin District Council Strategic Planning Manager Paul Southwell says, “Franklin District Council is serious about reducing alcohol harm. We’re one of the first local authorities to include criteria in determining the appropriateness of a liquor licence application in regards to social aspects. Franklin has ongoing issues with alcohol-related offences, from disorder to drink driving, and this proposed policy aims to address these.”

 

The proposed policy sets hours of operation for specific licenced premises, requires social and site selection criteria for new liquor licence applications, which looks at factors such as the appropriateness of the location, population size for sustaining another premises, the number of other licenced premises in the general location, the number of sensitive sites nearby - such as schools, churches and kindergartens and the impact the premises would have on environmental aspects such as noise, parking, traffic, road safety.

 

The proposed policy also provides licencees and prospective licensees with guidelines regarding Council, District Licensing Agency and community expectations regarding the sale of liquor in the district, promotes the principles of Host Responsibility and develops and cultivates partnerships with relevant organisations, such as Police, Ministry of Health and the Alcohol Advisory Council to ensure a sustainable approach to reducing alcohol-related harm.

 

Franklin District Council will be meeting with licencees during the consultation process to discuss the proposed policy and gain their feedback.

 

Council welcomes submissions from the public on the proposed policy. Submissions close at 5.00 pm on Wednesday 30 September 2009.

 

A copy of the proposed policy and a submission form can be obtained from Council’s office in Manukau Road, Pukekohe, by phoning (09) 237-1304 ext 472 or from www.franklin.govt.nz.