The Christchurch City Council is debating some new rules on the sale and supply of alcohol in the city and suburbs and is seeking feedback until July 1 to help form a local alcohol policy.
Some of this is being done through random phone calls but you can express your opinion by visiting the council website and filling out a form at www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay. How long should bars be allowed to stay open? Should there be a restriction on the hours alcohol can be sold are some of the questions being asked.
A draft policy has already been drawn up in a bid to minimise alcohol related harm in the city and ensure that the sale and supply of alcohol is undertaken safely and responsibly.
Mayor Bob Parker says the Council is keen to find out what people think about the policy. “Our community has been asking for years for input into licensing matters. This is their chance to take a stand in shaping the future of alcohol-related matters in Christchurch. It’s a big moment for our community and we want to hear from as many people as possible.”
Key components of the draft LAP are:
- A closing time of 3am in the Central City Entertainment Precincts (excluding Victoria Street) for taverns, bars, pubs, night-clubs and clubs, with a one-way door policy from 1am.
- A closing time of 1am elsewhere in the Central City (including Victoria Street) for taverns, bars, pubs, night-clubs and clubs, with a discretionary one-way door policy where appropriate.
- A closing time of 1am in suburban centres in the city for taverns, bars, pubs, night-clubs and clubs, with a discretionary one-way door policy where appropriate.
- Maximum trading hours for selling alcohol of 9am until 9pm for all off-licences in Christchurch.
- Restrictions on the location of new bottle stores and taverns to business zones.
For further information visit www.ccc.govt.nz/localalcoholpolicy or email localalcoholpolicy@ccc.govt.nz
