26 November 2013

Alcohol licensing hours to change

A new campaign was launched today by Auckland Council to advise residents of a change to alcohol licensing hours next month under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act.

Passed by Parliament in 2012, the new alcohol laws include the introduction of maximum trading hours for all licensed premises nationwide from 18 December 2013. The new restriction requiring on-licenses to close at 4am and not re-open until 8am will affect up to 300 operators that currently hold 24 hour licenses in central Auckland.

With the new closing hours beginning just a week before Christmas, the campaign focuses on Aucklanders still being able to “tell your life story” or “own the dance floor” – just earlier. It’s about planning your night out and thinking of how you will get home safely at a time when the downtown area will be particularly busy as businesses wind down and friends meet up to celebrate.

The campaign, done in conjunction with Hospitality NZ Auckland, Auckland Transport and the Police, can be seen in bars, restaurants and on buses and trains. It also includes a handout card available in licensed premises and from Police that focuses on safe transport and Tiakina: to look after each other.

The change to operating hours also affects off-licenses such as supermarkets, wine stores and liquor outlets who will no longer be able to sell alcohol after 11pm or before 7am. All licensed premises with shorter hours – including off-licenses, bars and clubs – remain bound by their current license and cannot extend to these maximum hours.

The new hours, as prescribed by central government effective from 18 December 2013, are:
• 8am-4am On-licenses (bars, clubs, restaurants)
• 7am-11pm Off-licenses (all supermarkets, liquor outlets, wine shops)

Auckland Transport has the following transport options available to late night patrons in the city:
• Buses are currently available until 3.40am from Britomart.
• The weekend of 21-22 December extra transport is being provided:
--The Northern Busway will provide services throughout the two nights
--Trains will run from 5am with hourly services for the western, eastern & southern to Manukau and southern to Papakura lines.
• For specific times and more information visit www.at.co.nz
• For more on Alcohol Licensing Changes visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/liquor
• For a full copy of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act and additional fact sheets visit www.justice.govt.nz/policy/sale-and-supply-of-alcohol

ENDS

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