Begging, chairs on footpaths, liquor bans - council seeks public input in bylaw reviews

The city council is gathering information on any issues that spoil people's enjoyment of Tauranga's streets, beaches and reserves. Photo/File

The city council wants feedback on issues that spoil people's enjoyment of Tauranga's streets, beaches and reserves to help inform major bylaw reviews.

One proposal already on the table was adding a bylaw banning begging and rough sleeping in the city's retail areas.

Other topics Tauranga City Council's review will examine included signage, tables and chairs on footpaths, activities on beaches, freedom camping and alcohol-free areas.

Bylaws are special rules that only apply to the Tauranga area. Non-compliance can result in prosecutions, court-imposed fines and seizure of property.

They are enforced by warranted council staff or contractors, and by external agencies such as the police.

The four bylaws up for review were the Street Use and Public Places Bylaw, Beaches Bylaw, Freedom Camping Bylaw and Liquor-free and Vehicle-free Zones in Public Places Bylaw.

The council wants public feedback on current issues before making changes to the bylaws.

Residents were invited to have their say by Monday, March 12, by completing a short survey at tauranga.govt.nz/publicplaces

The council will use the feedback to draft proposed updates to the four bylaws, and develop options for consideration by elected members.

The draft amended bylaws will then be submitted back to the community for formal consultation, likely in July 2018.