Have your say on alcohol policy

A feature of the new policy includes no new bottle stores introduced in Whangarei for up to six years. Photo / Michael Cunningham

A licence application for a new bottle store in Onerahi, currently being appealed, would not have been allowed to be lodged under a new policy by the Whangarei District Council.

The council is calling for submissions to its Draft Local Alcohol Policy, which would see tighter restrictions around the sale of alcohol.

A feature of the new policy includes no new bottle stores introduced in Whangarei for up to six years, but does allow an existing licence to be relocated.

It would also give the District Licensing Committee the ability to impose restrictions when issuing or renewing a licence for an on-licence premises.

It could require a bar to not serve shots after midnight, restrict the use of outdoor areas after a certain time, require additional security staff, and installation of CCTV cameras.

At this week's council meeting, councillor John Williamson, chairman of the District Licencing Committee, said just because the draft policy was introduced doesn't mean each councillor agreed with what it outlined.

"This is to allow public consultation in the community for ideas as to what should be the alcohol scene in Whangarei."

A 2012 Act of Parliament gave each local authority in New Zealand the right to determine its own policy on the sale and restrictions of alcohol.

Whangarei District Council's policy would grant no further off licences "in respect of bottle stores" for up to six years, which, Mr Williamson thought, was too long.

"I disagree with the cap on bottle stores, I'd prefer a two-year cap rather than six years ... It puts a scarcity value on bottle stores and doesn't allow for future development.

He said the liquor licence granted in Onerahi last year for a fourth liquor outlet, which was appealed by locals and the Medical Officer of Health, would not have been allowed to go ahead under this policy.

"It should be that applications [for new liquor licences] are decided on their merits."

Councillor Brian McLachlan said individual communities needed to be heard in relation to new liquor licences.

Mayor Sheryl Mai said putting the proposal out for public submission would let the community decide if they wanted stronger or looser regulation, "whether they want to drink, purchase, or they deal with the effects of alcohol."

The consultation period is from June 8 until July 10. Public hearings are planned for July 29.