Press Release – Auckland Council
Parliament is being urged by the Mayor of Auckland to pass the alcohol law reform legislation as soon as possible to give communities certainty about the way forward.

Speaking to the Hospitality New Zealand conference in Wellington, Len Brown says he wants local communities and the industry to be able to engage in local solutions to issues related to alcohol.

“We need a speedy passage of the Alcohol Reform Bill so we can get on with the job of giving local communities more say over the number, location and opening hours of liquor outlets and the policies that regulate alcohol in their areas.

“The most important provision is the bill is the requirement for territorial authorities to establish Local Alcohol Plans (LAPs) so this can happen.”

The Mayor says Auckland Council has already begun work on how these will role out.

“The community has told us loud and clear that they want more say over the location and opening hours of liquor outlets.

Our concern is that inherent delays in the way the bill is drafted mean it will be at least 16 months before LAPs can be operative, and I have made the minister aware of those concerns.”

Len Brown also paid tribute to the innovation and collaboration being shown by the industry in helping make Auckland a safe, healthy city where alcohol is enjoyed, not abused, at the same time as building Auckland’s visitor economy.

“The hospitality industry is woven into the DNA of our plans for prosperity and liveability.

“The majority of operators are responsible, good members of our community and essential local businesses, and the industry has my commitment to work in partnership with it to transform Auckland.”

Content Sourced from scoop.co.nz
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