Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw to be considered

Date:

Oct 19, 2018

Next Thursday, Queenstown Lakes District Councillors will be asked to adopt a new Alcohol Restrictions in Public Places Bylaw. 

QLDC Regulatory Manager Lee Webster said if adopted, the bylaw will formalise an alcohol ban for the Queenstown Central Business District on National Crate Day and increase the hours of the current alcohol restrictions.

“The bylaw we’re putting up for adoption has taken into account the views of the 41 submitters who took the time to have their say, including the New Zealand Police, Southern District Health Board, Wanaka Alcohol Group and other members of the community,” Mr Webster said.  

“We believe these restrictions will create an environment that feels safer for everyone to enjoy and will encourage people to either drink at home or in licensed premises where there are better controls on hand for disorderly behaviour,” he said.

“As well as approval on the bylaw we’re asking that Councillors support our approach to work more closely with the local health board and Police to ensure stronger evidence and information can be shared to assist any future decision making and reviews of this bylaw,” he said.

Councillors are also being asked for approval to approach Central Government to request a review of part of the Local Government Act 2002 to allow councils to create more proactive measures to reduce alcohol harm in their communities.

If adopted, the Bylaw will come into effect in time for the busy Christmas and New Year Period.

ENDS:

The full report can be read here:  https://www.qldc.govt.nz//assets/Uploads/Council-Documents/Full-Council-Meetings/2018/25-October-2018/12.-Report-to-Full-Council-Alcohol-Restrictions-in-Public-Places-Bylaw-2018.pdf