Aucklanders have had their say on the sale and supply of alcohol in their region - and they strongly support more restrictions according to a new survey.
Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has today released the results of a survey, conducted by Wyllie & Associates, into Aucklanders' views on alcohol policies in their region.
Public support for alcohol policies in the Auckland Council Region shows majority support for policies that restrict trading hours, reduce the number of on and off-licences, and keeps these outlets away from schools.
Among the survey's key findings:
• If there are to be different on-licence closing times across Auckland, 61 per cent favour no later than 2am in the Central Business District (CBD), 60 per cent support 1am in centres outside the CBD, and 52 per cent support midnight in the rest of Auckland. If closing times are to be the same across Auckland, 56 per cent support no later than 1am.
• The public strongly support off-licences beginning sales no earlier than 10am (60-68 per cent, depending on off-licence type), and stopping sales no later than 10pm (73-78 per cent).
• The public do not want any more on-licences in their local communities, with figures ranging from 66 per cent (opposed to more licensed cafes and restaurants) to 89 per cent (taverns and large bars).
• Between 91 and 95 per cent want no increase in the number of off-licences.
• Between 72 and 83 per cent are opposed to more on-licences in the CBD.
• 73-83 per cent are opposed to having "taverns and large bars", "small neighbourhood bars", or off-licences (except supermarkets) near schools.
With submissions on Auckland Council's draft Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) now open, Medical Officer of Health Dr Denise Barnfather, is calling upon the Council to take heed of these results.