MEDIA RELEASE
10 July 2008

Police action on Auckland City licensing hours spot on.

Alcohol Healthwatch fully supports an Auckland City Police call for an end to 24 hour licensing in the city.

Alcohol Healthwatch Director Rebecca Williams says that this move is supported by evidence to reduce alcohol-related harm, particularly crime and violence. She says that her organisation strongly advised against the 24 hour policy and adds that if the City wishes to get its act together before the 2011 Rugby World Cup they need to get better policies in place well in advance.

In other jurisdictions where opening hours have been addressed significant improvements have resulted. Christchurch currently operates a ‘one way door’ policy and has found that this results in reduced alcohol-related crime and disorder.

Williams says the reverse is true. Britain’s recent introduction of 24 hour licensing has resulted in the Local Government Association saying that there has been an increase in crime and disorder and strain on Police and health resources.

Williams said bar-tender claims that opening hours are not the problem are ill-informed. Opening hours are definitely part of the issue and need to part of the solution mix.

ENDS

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