Friday 31 May 2013

Consultation opens on draft Local Alcohol Policy today

The community’s chance to give feedback on the Christchurch City Council’s draft Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) begins today (Friday 31 May).

The draft policy, which is a provision of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, was adopted by the full Council earlier this month and consultation will run until 5pm on Monday 1 July. The aim of the draft LAP is to minimise alcohol related harm in the city and ensure that the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol is undertaken safely and responsibly.

Mayor Bob Parker encourages people to make submissions, so the Council knows what they think about what is proposed and can make any necessary changes.

“Our community has been asking for years for input into licensing matters. This is their chance to take a stand in shaping the future of alcohol-related matters in Christchurch.

“It’s a big moment for our community and we want to hear from as many people as possible.”

A whole of Council committee, chaired by Councillor Sue Wells, will hear and consider submissions, then deliberate and decide on the draft LAP during July and August 2013. The provisional LAP will then be publicly notified in early 2014 and open to appeals. Final adoption of a LAP is not likely to be until mid to late 2014, depending on the length of the appeal process.

Provisions in the draft include:

• A closing time of 3am in the Central City Entertainment Precincts (excluding Victoria Street) for taverns, bars, pubs, night-clubs and clubs, with a one-way door policy from 1am.
• A closing time of 1am elsewhere in the Central City (including Victoria Street) for taverns, bars, pubs, night-clubs and clubs, with a discretionary one-way door policy where appropriate.
• A closing time of 1am in suburban centres in the city for taverns, bars, pubs, night-clubs and clubs, with a discretionary one-way door policy where appropriate.
• Maximum trading hours for selling alcohol of 9am until 9pm for all off-licences in Christchurch.
• Restrictions on the location of new bottle stores and taverns to business zones.  
Information sessions

As part of the consultation process, there will be three public information sessions held where people can find out in more detail how the draft LAP was developed, what is proposed in it and how to make a submission. The sessions will start with a short presentation and will be held on:

Date: Tuesday 11 June, noon–1.30pm
Location: CPIT Marae – Te Puna Wānaka, Coventry Street, Christchurch

Date: Wednesday 12 June, 6pm–7.30pm
Location: North City Church, 95a Sawyers Arms Road, Christchurch

Date: Thursday 13 June, 6pm–7.30pm
Location: Cashmere Club, 50 Colombo Street, Christchurch

Drop-in sessions at shopping malls and other community activities

Council staff will also be on hand at some Christchurch shopping malls during the consultation period to answer any questions about the draft LAP and give out information on making a submission. They will also attend many other community events such as farmer’s markets and speak at various community network meetings.

• A submission form and project information can be found online at www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay or at any open Council library or service centre. 

ENDS

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