Big response to have say on alcohol policy

Whangarei District Council have received 254 submissions for their Draft Alcohol Policy.

Where and when alcohol can be sold in Whangarei is on the public agenda, with 254 submissions received on Whangarei District Council's Draft Alcohol Policy.

WDC liquor licensing team leader Reiner Mussle said he was pleased with the preliminary response rate, with submissions from individuals, community groups and larger organisations.

Submissions closed on Friday but more may have come in yesterday.

"I think it's a good number. I think perhaps the Onerahi bottle store has prompted a lot of response from that community in particular," he said.

So far 78 submitters have requested they be heard in person, with hearings set for the end of July.

A 2012 parliamentary act gave local authorities the right to determine their own policy on the sale and restrictions of alcohol.

The Northern Advocate supported WDC's submission process with a series of six articles about alcohol issues in the Northland community.

The draft Local Alcohol Policy would mean:

-No new bottle stores in Whangarei for up to six years, although existing licences can relocate in some circumstances.

-Supermarkets allowed to sell alcohol from 7am-10pm.

-Liquor stores could be open 9am-10pm.

-Most bars to close at 1am, though CBD venues could remain open until 3am operating a one-way door system.

-Bars could be required to not serve shots after midnight, restrict the use of outdoor areas after a certain time and have additional security staff and install CCTV cameras.