Initial research shows strong community support for Auckland’s Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), with early signs it may be reducing levels of alcohol-related harm.
In an online survey run by Alcohol Healthwatch, Aucklanders reported that their neighbourhoods feel quieter, safer and cleaner since the policy came into effect. Respondents noted fewer incidents of public intoxication, and that parks and reserves are tidier.
Louise Mason, General Manager of Policy at Auckland Council, says the feedback is encouraging and indicates that the policy may be helping reduce alcohol-related harm.
“We’re hearing positive anecdotal feedback that the policy is making a difference, even at this early stage. A full evaluation will be carried out when the policy has had more time to bed in – six months is quite a short length of time in the grand scheme of things. But it is incredibly encouraging that communities are already reporting changes,” she says.
The new rules, voted in unanimously by Auckland's mayor and councillors, came into effect just over six months ago, after a long-haul battle in the name of reducing alcohol-related harm. It means that now, off-licences do not sell alcohol after 9pm. Bars, clubs and restaurants outside the city centre stop selling at 3am, an hour earlier than previously.
What came out of the feedback?
Ninety Aucklanders voluntarily took park in the survey. Responses highlighted positive changes in neighbourhoods, particularly for families, and on levels of antisocial behaviour, and public health.
Participants said:
- “I have noticed streets are quieter, with less drunk people or drinking on streets late at night."
- “…We see more people affected by alcohol either directly by binge drinking or indirectly such as domestic violence, resulting in multiple representations of alcohol in the Emergency Department. I worked the New Year period in the ED last year and saw fewer people presenting with alcohol intoxication or alcohol related injuries than previous years.”
- “I’ve noticed a decrease in people hanging around and less fighting.”
- “My kids love playing at the parks and beaches. Since the hours have been reduced there have been no broken bottles – it’s nice and clean.”
The survey ran online from January 2025–March 2025 over Facebook, Instagram and on the websites of community organisations including Alcohol Healthwatch and the Salvation Army. Respondents were asked about their thoughts on the previous rules, whether they had noticed a difference since the policy took effect, and whether they’d like to see other changes about alcohol availability in their neighbourhoods.
What about off-licences?
Rob Abbott, Principal Specialist Alcohol Licensing at Auckland Council is pleased to report that so far, there have been no breaches of the Local Alcohol Policy by off-licence holders.
“So far, businesses have been following the new rules, and there have been no instances of non-compliance to report. We know all businesses that sell alcohol had to make changes under the new policy, and we’re grateful for their support,” he says.
What’s next?
Since Auckland’s Local Alcohol Policy took effect, 25 councils across Aotearoa New Zealand are working on their own policies.
Auckland Council staff are monitoring how the policy is playing out in its first year and will report back to the mayor and councillors in early 2026.
