Waikato District Council is proposing changes to its Alcohol Control Bylaw, with public consultation now open on the changes.
The Alcohol Control Bylaw outlines where and when people can drink alcohol in public places. It was adopted by Council in 2020. Under the Local Government Act 2002, Council must review the Bylaw within five years after adoption.
“The Bylaw is enforced by New Zealand (NZ) Police and Council have been working closely with them to make sure the proposed changes align with their areas of concern,” says Waikato District Council Regulatory Services Manager, Rochelle Deane.
“We are proposing changes where there is evidence of harm, crime, or disorder that has been caused or made worse by alcohol consumption.
“We have also considered feedback from our communities that was collected as part of an online survey done last year.”
Waikato West Area Prevention Manager, Senior Sergeant David Hall says Police use the Bylaw to help them respond to incidents in public places where alcohol is involved.
“The Bylaw is a preventative tool used by Police to reduce harm and manage risk. It is part of a suite of tactics to help us to respond to anti-social behaviour and manage alcohol-related harm, crime, or disorder in public places across the district. It’s about creating a public environment that is safe for everyone to use,” said Snr Sgt Hall.
Between 1 September 2019 and 31 December 2023, there were 722 alcohol-related incidents reported across the Waikato district in areas where alcohol bans already existed, but the actual number of incidents for the district is much higher, he said.
“There are many other incidents that are not captured in this data or aren’t reported by members of the public.”
The consultation is open until 15 June 2025. Find more information on Council’s website: www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/say-it.
