Gisborne's draft liquor policy out for review

 

Creating a safe drinking environment for Gisborne district residents and visitors is what the Council’s draft Sale of Liquor Policy is all about. Adopted in 2002, it is now up for review. The draft policy highlights a number of changes including the hours licensed premises can open, aligning club trading hours to the activities of the club and ensuring at least three choices of food are available when liquor is served.

The draft also formalises the one-way-door policy for any licensed business that wants to operate later than 2am. Seven businesses that were licensed to open till 3am have agreed to participate in a trial. From 1.30am any patron who left the bar was not able to re-enter. After some initial difficulties this was extended to 2am, a time agreed upon by all parties in February 2009.  The 2am one-way-door policy now includes ten licensed premises in the city area and extends from the harbour area, Childers Road, Gladstone Road (to the Turanga Hotel) and Derby Street.

The Gisborne District Licensing Agency, which is administered by Council, is responsible under the Sale of Liquor Act to minimise alcohol related incidents.  Chief Environmental Health Officer Sarwan Kumar says that the key to achieving this is promotion of responsible attitudes of both licensees and the public.  “Council will take a ‘proactive approach’ to liquor licensing.  We want to work with the industry to promote responsible drinking and behaviour so that people out in town can have a great night and make it home safe and sound.  There is no one easy solution and we need to look at the options together and agree on the best strategy to make this a reality. Reviewing trading hours for bars is part of this. All businesses, groups and members of the community with a view on this matter should let Council know what they think by making a submission.  There are a wide range of views in the community about what the closing times should be.  Council will consider all submissions received before making a final decision,” he said.  

The significant changes proposed in the draft policy are:

·         Closing times moved from 3am to 2am, with a one-way-door condition for businesses operating after 2am

·         Licensed restaurants to stop selling liquor at 1am (from 3am)

·         Simplify the categories of clubs and ensure the hours clubs can sell liquor reflect the activities of the club

·         Remove some restrictions on special licences for statutory holidays

·         Ensure at least three varieties of food are always available when liquor is sold

·         Interview all applicants for new and renewed managers certificates

·         All premises to have a host responsibility policy

The draft policy is now out for consultation. Get a copy of the policy and make a submission online at www.gdc.govt.nz/sale-of-liquor-policy-review or pick up a copy from HB Williams Memorial Library or Customer Services in Fitzherbert Street and Te Puia Springs.