Alcohol survey extended by a week

More than 1500 Wairarapa people have responded to a community alcohol survey, which has delighted the organisers.

People have until 4pm tomorrow to complete a short survey online on the positive and negative aspects of alcohol in Wairarapa at www.mstn.govt.nz or by calling 06 3706300.

The survey is commissioned by the Wairarapa Liquor Working Group, with representatives from each of the three Wairarapa councils, the police and Regional Public Health.

Group chairwoman Viv Napier is delighted with the response so far.

"We are delighted that so many people have given up a few minutes of their time to let us know their views," she said.

"Alcohol is a subject which many people have strong opinions about and we have certainly had a full range of viewpoints expressed in the completed surveys received so far."

She said women, especially mothers and grandmothers, have made up a large proportion of their respondents.

"It would be good to hear from more fathers and grandfathers, along with their sons and daughters.

"We are aware that many people are still intending to take part in the survey, but have not yet got round to filling it in or sending it back, so we have extended the deadline for a further week, until 4pm on Wednesday April 30. This should give everyone the opportunity to put their opinions forward on the contribution that alcohol makes to the community, and the number, location and suggested trading hours for licensed premises in the Wairarapa."

She said the results will be used to develop Wairarapa's Local Alcohol Policy, which will set the rules for issuing of future liquor licences

A draft policy should be out for public consultation in the second half of 2014.

The proposed development of a Local Alcohol Policy has been brought about by the introduction of the new Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, which also saw the introduction of District Licensing Committees in Carterton, Masterton and South Wairarapa.