Episode Details

Aucklands Alcohol Licensing Policy Shifts: A Rebuttable Presumption Against New Off-Licences in Vulnerable Suburbs

In this episode, we delve into the changes in Aucklands alcohol licensing policy, as a two-year freeze on new off-licence applications ends in September. The focus is on vulnerable suburbs and the central city, where high alcohol harm, crime, and existing licences were prevalent. The policy now shifts to a rebuttable presumption against new off-licences, requiring applicants to provide strong evidence that their proposed location wont exacerbate alcohol problems.

Grant Hewison, a lawyer from Communities Against Alcohol Harm, expresses concerns about a potential surge in applications, particularly in south Auckland. He suggests that the council should have reviewed the policy faster to possibly extend the freeze. On the other hand, Council Policy Boss Louise Mason is confident that the new rules will maintain strict controls, with no new off-licences slipping through where restrictions apply.

The policy has shown success in reducing alcohol damage nationwide, with nine PM closing times for off-licences. As September sixteenth approaches, all eyes are on the policys effectiveness in preventing new off-licences in restricted areas.

Support the show:
Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn.

Advertise on DNN:
advertise@thednn.ai

This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai.

View sources & latest updates:
https://sources.thednn.ai/64ef8fbc0a959753