More power for councils in battle against booze

Justice Minister Simon Power. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Local councils will be given greater power to make decisions over alcohol in their communities under changes to be released tomorrow.

Justice Minister Simon Power is expected to announce sweeping changes in an alcohol law reform package which could answer an outcry from the public.

Among the changes will be council powers to control the number of liquor licences that can be issued in one area.

Other changes would see local authorities having greater powers to strip licences from liquor retailers. Retailers will also face a tougher time getting licences in the first place.

Councils will also be able to vary the opening hours of bars, pubs and restaurants.

The change follows a review which attracted a widespread call from the public to restrict the sale of alcohol.

Communities have long had concerns about the social hazard liquor stores pose to their neighbourhoods said Major Ian Kilgour, the Salvation Army's manager of social policy and parliamentary unit.

"We would endorse any provision that increases a local community's ability to determine the number and locations of liquor outlets," said Kilgour. Liquor outlets were more prevalent than corner dairies in some areas, said Kilgour.