Wednesday 3 April 2013

Development of draft Local Alcohol Policy continues

The Christchurch City Council has moved a step closer in developing a provisional Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), which will go out for community consultation within the next few months.

A preliminary policy was discussed by the Planning Committee today (3 April), with deputations made by the Police, Medical Officer of Health, Health Promotion Agency, Hospitality New Zealand, District Licensing Agency, Foodstuffs New Zealand and Progressive Enterprises.

Further work will now continue on developing the draft policy before community consultation begins mid-year.

Planning Committee Chair Sue Wells says the policy – which is a provision of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 – will help create a city where people feel safe to go out and contribute to a vibrant, night-time economy.

“This is a significant policy for our city and will help form part of a wider, multi-faceted approach to reducing alcohol-related harm.”

Through the LAP the Council can regulate certain specific aspects of liquor licensing such as opening hours for licensed premises, controlling the location of licensed premises and making re-entry restrictions to bars in the early hours of the morning (one-way door restrictions).

Proposed Plan Change 56 recommended
At today’s (3 April) Planning Committee meeting it was decided to recommend the Council adopt the proposed Plan Change 56 (Business 1, 2 and 2P Zones Urban Design and Amenity in Suburban Centres) and publicly notify it under the provisions of the resource management Act.

The purpose of Plan Change 56 is to stimulate good design in the rebuild of neighbourhood and district shopping centres so that they remain attractive and vibrant places for locals and visitors.
It allows flexibility in design and will ensure appealing developments that integrate with public spaces and enhance the immediate surroundings, are accessible and safe.

The Council will consider the recommendation at its meeting on Wednesday 24 April.

For background on the proposed change, click here:
http://www.ccc.govt.nz/thecouncil/policiesreportsstrategies/districtplanning/cityplan/proposedplanchanges/PlanChange56_SuburbanShoppingCentres.aspx

ENDS

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