Views Sought On New Local Alcohol Policy
 
The community’s views are being sought on the sale and supply of alcohol in the region. The Sale and Supply of Liquor Act became law in December 2012 and this allowed Councils around the country to develop a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP). During the development of this policy, local communities are being encouraged to have their say on the sale and supply of alcohol.
 
Hastings District Council has teamed up with Napier City Council to develop an LAP which will have common themes when it comes to the sale and supply of liquor in the region.
 
Hastings District Council Group Manager Planning and Regulatory John O’Shaughnessy says, “Council is giving the community a chance to put their views forward before a draft LAP is developed. It is vital that the LAP reflects the wishes of the community as the Government moves to allow more local level decision making on alcohol policies.”
 
Mr O’Shaughnessy says “Officers from both Councils have spoken to Police, the Ministry of Health and liquor industry representatives to determine what they feel are the most important issues and what needs to change in how we deal with alcohol related issues.”
 
An LAP can include rules relating to the location of licensed premises, the maximum number of trading hours and whether a one way door policy should be introduced at premises where liquor is available. The LAP can’t include rules on the cost of alcohol, the drinking age limit or restrictions on advertising and sponsorship by liquor companies.
 
More information and feedback forms on the Local Alcohol Policy is available at www.myvoicemychoice.co.nz/local-alcohol-policy
 
or
 
visit us at the Flaxmere Shopping Centre on Thursday 2nd May 10am-4pm.
 
Your views on the LAP close on Friday 17th May 2013 and formal consultation on the draft policy will be carried out later this year.

ENDS

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