Permanent overnight liquor ban due soon

May 3, 2007

A permanent overnight liquor ban will soon be in force at designated locations in North Shore City.

The new ban applies to the Takapuna central business district; Birkenhead War Memorial Domain including Mahara Ave and John Court St; and Ngataringa Park in Devonport.

It will operate between the hours of 10pm and 6am during daylight saving hours, and between 9pm and 6am outside of daylight saving.

North Shore City senior environmental protection advisor, Ian Parker, says the overnight liquor ban has been introduced to provide a safer environment for the community.

He says the initiative seeks to minimise the problems caused by excessive drinking in some areas, and to assist the police in crime prevention.

Problems associated with excessive drinking include general disorder, litter and broken glass, property damage, and street racing.

“Residents in some of these areas have been calling for liquor bans to prevent these sorts of problems.

“The coastal overnight liquor bans that came into effect in December 2005 have helped the police to prevent problems in dealing with alcohol in these areas,” Mr Parker says.

The Local Government Act 2002 and the council’s own Control of Liquor Consumption Bylaw allow the council to approve liquor bans in specific locations.

“The overnight liquor ban is not intended to prevent people from having a glass of wine or can of beer at a picnic spot outside of the restricted hours,” says Mr Parker.

Signs will erected at all locations where liquor is banned.

(ends)

.

© Scoop Media