Media release – for immediate use
23 August 2010

New liquor laws needed urgently

Mayor Len Brown has welcomed news that the government looks set to give communities more say over the location and number of liquor outlets but says new laws are needed urgently.

“We have been battling for a long time for the government to give communities a greater say over the number and location of liquor outlets in their area,” says Len Brown.

“My council has been actively pushing for legislation for a long time now because the problem is very apparent in our communities. Communities need these laws now.

“We have pushed for legislation to deal with this issue, made strong representations to the Law Commission, undertaken reviews of the effects of current laws, and members of our community have taken to marching in the streets to try and achieve change. It’s good news that change looks to be on the way.

“We have been specifically asking for more power over the hours of operation of liquor outlets, along with the number and location of off licences.

“People feel frustrated when they see the harmful effects of alcohol in their area but feel helpless to do anything about it because of the rules governing consenting restrict what councils can do to limit the number of alcohol outlets..

“There is ample evidence now on how the number and location of liquor outlets can impact on crime levels. Something needed to change.

“This is not just a South Auckland problem. This is a problem for communities right across our region and right around New Zealand. We need to change people’s attitude to alcohol to beat the harm it does to our communities.

ENDS

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