After almost a decade of legal wrangling, a local alcohol policy has been adopted by Auckland Council today.
At today’s meeting of the council’s governing body, Auckland’s councillors unanimously voted for the policy to be in full effect by 9 December 2024.
Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, Councillor Josephine Bartley said it was a momentous day for communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, “who have long been calling out to have their voices heard when it comes to regulating alcohol in their neighbourhoods”.
“We’ve been fighting for this on behalf of our communities for almost 10 years,” she said.
“The reason local alcohol policies were brought in was to allow local people to have a say over where and when alcohol is available in their area.
“When we consulted people on the policy, we heard from communities and businesses. They told us that we didn’t need more off-licences, and the hours that shops can sell alcohol should be reduced. That’s what we’ve now been able to achieve.”
The policy will come into effect in two stages. The first changes will be from 16 September 2024, when stricter rules for new off-licences opening in the central city and 23 other suburbs come into force.
These rules will mean that, from 16 September 2024, any application to open an off-licence in these areas is likely to be declined for the next two years, unless a very high threshold is met.
Changes to maximum trading hours will come in three months later, on 9 December 2024. From this date:
- bottle shops and supermarkets across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will not be able to sell alcohol after 9pm.
- bars, restaurants and other on-licences permitted by the District Licensing Committee will be able to sell alcohol until no later than 4am in the central city, and 3am outside of the central city.
- sports clubs and RSAs permitted by the District Licensing Committee will be able to sell alcohol until 1am.
The policy will not impact special licences for festivals and events. These will continue to be assessed by the District Licensing Committee, as they are now, the Council said in a statement.
In June 2024, Police estimated alcohol harm costs the country a significant amount each year.
Director of Tāmaki Makaurau Partnerships for the Police, Superintendent Scott Gemmell says Auckland’s local alcohol policy is a step forward in reducing the harms caused by irresponsible drinking.
“We respond to incidents where alcohol is a key factor every day.”
“In fact, 1-in-5 victimisations are fuelled by alcohol – it’s not insignificant.
“We want people to feel safe and will continue to work with our partners to prevent and address alcohol-related crimes. This policy will help with our work to prevent alcohol-harms – it’s a step in the right direction,” he says.
