Auckland City Council
Media release

24 September 2009

Council is listening on liquor licensing draft policy

Auckland City Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar says council is carefully noting concerns over its draft liquor licensing policy, which is currently out for consultation.

Mr Bhatnagar says the council is closely listening to the feedback from the public, industry groups and licensees, particularly about location, opening hours, compliance costs and host responsibility requirements.

“Significant concerns have been raised about how the proposed policy could affect restaurant and bar owners, and we have noted these concerns. Conversely, there seems to be a general consensus that the off-licensing proposals have merit.”

He says the council is keen to take account of feedback in making the final policy decision. 

As part of the consultation process, Mr Bhatnagar will meet with the hospitality industry on Monday to listen to their views.

“We’ve heard loud and clear that the industry has real concerns about protecting people’s jobs and businesses. That’s why I want to assure them we are listening. We do not want to hurt the good guys in hospitality, and we are committed to ensuring responsible operators are not penalised. That’s why we will be taking a close look at the hours, boundaries, compliance rules and conditions once submissions close.”

The council is developing its liquor licensing policy to ensure greater consistency in licensing decisions.  In developing the draft policy, significant research has already been undertaken and a variety of options have been assessed.

Mr Bhatnagar says special licences would be available to enable the city to appropriately host the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

The public are able to make submissions on the draft policy until 7 October 2009. Submitters will be given the opportunity to present verbal submissions to a Hearings Panel in October/November 2009, and the panel will then write a report outlining the submissions received and recommending a final liquor licensing policy to council by December 2009. The final policy would apply to new licenses from 1 January 2010, and to existing licenses as they come up for renewal.

Visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz for a full copy of the draft policy, and to make a submission.
       
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