Alcohol Ban Bylaw Review Proposes to Address Crate Day Disorder

Officers at Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) have proposed extending daily alcohol ban periods and a total alcohol ban for National Crate Day in the interests of minimising harm and offensive behaviour in the district’s public places.

The disorderly behaviour of some National Crate Day attendees at Queenstown’s Village Green in 2016 led to Police intervention and concerns from members of the public that felt unsafe. The morning after, QLDC officers observed a significant amount of alcohol-related litter left in the Village Green area.

QLDC Team Leader (Alcohol) Sian Swinney acknowledged that this was a key influence in the Regulatory team’s recommendations to the elected Councillors which they will consider at their meeting this week.

“The concerns raised by Police and Council officers demonstrate that the disorder on National Crate Day 2016 was worsened by alcohol consumption. Extending the alcohol ban in public areas to apply over a 24-hour period is therefore an appropriate and proportionate response in the interests of public safety and protecting them from alcohol-related nuisance and offensive behaviour.”

“And if the recommendation is ultimately adopted, people will still be able to enjoy a drink at home or in licensed premises,” said Ms Swinney.

In addition to a district-wide alcohol ban in public places for National Crate Day, the report recommends extending the current year-round alcohol ban period which applies to areas specified within the bylaw.

“The current ban period is from 10.00pm on any day through to 8.00am the following day. We are proposing that ban period starts two hours earlier from 8.00pm. We believe this will create an environment that feels safer for everyone to enjoy and will encourage people to either drink at home or in licensed premises where there are better controls on hand for disorderly behaviour,” added Ms Swinney.

QLDC is required to review its Alcohol Bylaw by the Local Government Act 2002, and if the recommendations are adopted by Councillors a period of consultation will be publicly notified allowing the community at least a month to make a submission on the proposal.

An appointed hearings panel would be required to hear submissions and make a final recommendation to full Council.

The Council meets this week on Thursday, 26 July.

ENDS

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