Auckland’s local alcohol policy is one step closer after it was approved by the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) last week. Auckland's mayor and councillors will be asked to choose a date for the policy to come into force at a future meeting of the council's governing body.
Councillor Josephine Bartley is Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, and says the policy is a big step forward for communities, bringing in some important changes that will help to reduce alcohol harm.
“Local alcohol policies give councils and local communities the chance to influence the location, number and trading hours of businesses licensed to sell alcohol. It’s not a ban on drinking – it’s about working together to create a thriving, safe and healthy region for all of us. We want Aucklanders to enjoy all our region has to offer, and to feel safe when doing so.“I’m proud that we are taking this step for our communities. It’s a big move in the council’s commitment to minimise the harm that alcohol can cause to people,” she says.
A number of councils in Aotearoa New Zealand have adopted local alcohol policies. Louise Mason, Auckland Council’s General Manager of Policy, says listening to the public and businesses has played a vital role in shaping a policy that works for all Aucklanders.
“At its core, the policy’s purpose is to help minimise alcohol-related harm in our communities, while balancing fair and reasonable requirements for businesses,” she says.
“We asked the public to provide their views in a lengthy consultation process, so we could design a policy that met their needs. We held workshops with residents, community groups, businesses and other stakeholders to understand what they thought needed to change, and what would have the most impact, while still being practical”.
The policy has been through a lengthy legal process. Submissions from supermarket chains led to eight years of hearings and appeals that went all the way to the Supreme Court.
The core argument from supermarkets was about maximum trading hours for the sale of alcohol, decision-making on where new off-licences might go and discretionary conditions on alcohol licences.
“In May 2023, the appeals by supermarkets were dismissed by the court. Now, we’ve heard the policy has been approved by ARLA, which is a positive win for our communities. A local alcohol policy would allow us to make better decisions at a local level,” says Louise.
What will change under the new policy?
The policy has been designed in partnership with residents, community groups and local boards, as well as stakeholders representing businesses and public health organisations. It has been through a full public consultation process, with opportunities to make submissions.
If brought into effect by the council, the policy will introduce measures to minimise harm caused by alcohol and that aim to help people to feel safer when they’re out and about in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. It will mean that:
- applications for new bottle shops in the city centre and 23 other suburbs in Auckland are very likely to be rejected for the next two years (unless they meet a very high threshold).
- bottle shops and supermarkets across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will need to stop selling alcohol no later than 9pm. There will be a three-month grace period before this measure comes into effect after the policy is publicly notified.
- 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 city centre, and 3am outside of the city centre.
- sports clubs and RSAs permitted by the District Licensing Committee will be able to sell alcohol until no later than 1am.
- special licences for festivals and events will continue to be assessed by the District Licensing Committee, as they are now.
The local alcohol policy is due to go to the mayor and councillors on 29 August, however this is not yet confirmed. You can check the council’s Agendas and Minutes page for information on meeting agendas near the date of the meeting.
Do you sell alcohol?
Make sure you’re ready for the local alcohol policy. Information will be sent to licence holders by email soon.
