Communities will get more say on what hours pubs are open and who can sell liquor in their areas when local alcohol policies are implemented.
This process is in the early stages. Christchurch City Council is starting the ball rolling by inviting community groups to contribute their views towards the creation of a Local Alcohol Policy at a discussion forum in the New Year.
When at the final draft stage the council will open the document for public consultation.
Parliament recently passed the Alcohol Reform Bill, which has a provision for councils to develop individual Local Alcohol Policies (LAP).
A LAP enables the community to have much more say in where and how licensed premises operate than at present. Councils, through the LAP, can regulate opening hours for licensed premises, control the location of licensed premises and make one-way door restrictions.
Source: mainly a letter from CCC to community groups
