29/11/2018

Public consultation opens today on a proposed liquor ban at Tokomaru Bay township.

Council’s Environmental Planning and Regulatory Committee yesterday approved to publicly notify a proposed amendment to the Alcohol Control Bylaw to include Tokomaru Bay.

Members of the Tokomaru Bay community presented to Council in October seeking a liquor ban in the township to address public health and safety issues related to drinking alcohol in public places.

They raised concerns around the normalisation of drunken behaviour and the message it was sending to young people. There were reports of damage to private property, urination in public places, littering and vandalism.

Community members had been subject to verbal abuse and threats, swearing, intimidation as well as public inebriation and unconsciousness.

Key areas impacted were the township centre, children’s playgrounds and public toilets.

Council’s current Alcohol Control Bylaw has restricted areas in Gisborne, Te Araroa, Ruatoria and Tolaga Bay.

The proposed restrictions for Tokomaru Bay would apply at all times to State Highway 35 and adjacent areas from School Road to the public playground.

The bylaw would be enforced by police and anyone found breaching it could be fined.

Council is now seeking feedback from any person or organisation with an interest. Submissions close at 5pm, 25 January 2019.

Here’s further information and the online submission form

ENDS

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