Council backs down over alcohol permits

Nelson councillors have backed down on a "Hitlerian" plan to make people pay for a permit to drink at popular beaches.

A new proposal being considered by the council today largely does away with the permit system and reduces the number of areas where alcohol is banned, but it does not address concerns about the widespread power police have with an alcohol ban.

The Nelson Residents Association said the initial draft bylaw appeared "at least to strike at and perhaps contravene" the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act.

"Such an act, we believe, would be regarded by most as a truly Hitlerian concept."

Critics said the plan would have forced people to buy permits if they wanted to have a quiet drink at popular spots such as Tahunanui Beach.

The Nelson Safer Community Council and the Health Action Trust shared concern police might use the bylaw unfairly.

"While we have great respect for the police, we do not want to see a society that allows anyone the right to exercise their own personal bias," the Safer Community Council wrote.

The Health Action Trust said it felt the increased powers of search given to the police were "heavy handed and unnecessary".

"The proposal that police can search as they choose without warrant is inappropriate and breaches the rights of those suspected of possession."

Nelson police were generally supportive of the bylaw, stressing it was important to enhance the safety of the inner city.

But liquor licensing Sergeant Trevor Walker asked that some changes be made, including reducing the number of areas included in the ban while providing greater flexibility for other areas to be added at short notice.

Mr Walker said police did not support having a permit system for exemptions to the ban.

"It is believed it would be unworkable, impractical and difficult both for the public and enforcement officials alike."

Nelson City Council administration officer Richard Palmer said the new draft bylaw answered a lot of the concerns raised in submissions, except for the powers given to police.

Those powers were given to police in the Local Government Act, he said.

- NZPA