Urgent response to calls for liquor ban in Newtown

Cr Wade-Brown welcomes an urgent issues paper being put on Council's agenda this month in response to strong calls for a liquor ban in Newtown.

Newtown parents are worried their children can't go to the local library without walking past people drinking.

Newtown shopkeepers warn that the suburb's centre is becoming less attractive to linger and shop in.

Civic-minded neighbours are clearing up glass in parks and playgrounds.  Rongotai MP Annette King supports a city-wide ban too.

Police are also concerned about youngsters drinking in outer suburbs and then coming into town, already intoxicated. Senior officers suggest consistency across the city would be more effective than varying boundaries or times.

Celia says "No-one thinks a liquor ban is a total answer to the issues of alcohol abuse in our society but it could be a useful tool - if the wider community wants it."

"I want us to have the conversation with Wellingtonians and see what people across the city think" says Celia Wade-Brown, a city councillor for the Southern Ward. We can't just think of one area, she adds, if it's good enough for Aro Valley and Oriental Bay to have their concerns recognised, we must also protect vulnerable people in other suburbs.

 A liquor ban doesn't stop drinking on private property, including homes, licensed premises and car parks so it's totally different to prohibition. Licensed premises can have their license revoked if they serve drunks. There can also be liquor licenses for special events in public places.

"The Law Commission's report on is due soon but Newtown's issues seem too pressing to await the national legislation which may follow. A ban would curtail freedom to have a beer with a picnic but I don't think we need alcohol in order to have a nice time sitting by a playground or in a park!" says Ms Wade-Brown.

ends

© Scoop Media