Auckland Council has expressed its disappointment at the number of city-centre premises in breach of alcohol licences over the weekend of 26-28 May.
The council’s Alcohol Licensing unit took part in a police operation on the night of 27 May that found 26 of the 72 premises visited were in breach of their licence.
“The high number of breaches over the weekend is very concerning,” says Councillor Linda Cooper, Chair of the council’s Regulatory Committee.
Real harm to communities
“Excessive alcohol consumption does real harm to our communities and businesses have an obligation to follow the rules to ensure their patrons and other members of the public are not put at risk."
“It’s disappointing to see so many places ignoring these responsibilities,” Cr Cooper says.
The council’s Acting Manager Alcohol Licensing, Peter Knight, says that licence holders need to ensure alcohol is sold and consumed in a safe and responsible way, in order to reduce alcohol-related harm.
“Many of the premises we found in breach over the weekend were small restaurants, and we saw a high level of alcohol consumption at many of these," he said.
“A number of these restaurants are in areas where people may move on to night clubs, where intoxication levels could rise even further."
“It’s important that patrons are supervised correctly, as these situations can all too easily get out of hand and potentially contribute to a wide range of risks.”
Council takes licence breaches seriously
Mr Knight says the council takes breaches of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 very seriously, and that breaches can result in the suspension or loss of an alcohol licence.
“While some of the breaches were relatively minor, like having incorrect signage displayed, others were more serious, such as not having any duty managers present on site,” he says.
“The council will continue to work with the police and the hospitality industry to improve the level of compliance, and ensure licence holders and their staff take their responsibilities seriously.
“We are committed to ensuring people are able to enjoy themselves safely, while reducing alcohol-related harm in the community.”
Keeping Aucklanders safe
Cr Cooper says that the council’s work is for the benefit of all Aucklanders.
“A big part of our city’s vibrancy is a due to our active hospitality industry, and we want to ensure this is a positive experience for everybody.
“However, we’re all well aware of the harm that can be caused by people overindulging,” she says.
“That’s why it’s in everyone’s best interest to ensure we can all go out and know we can enjoy a drink or a meal in a safe and supervised environment.”
