Public backs more alcohol limits

Northland supports more limits on alcohol sales

Whangarei residents support more restrictive rules around alcohol access, submissions on the district council's Local Alcohol Policy show.

Whangarei District Council will hear from 86 people over the next week, who wish to be heard on the policy " a new set of rules that governs when, where and how alcohol is sold and consumed in Whangarei.

The council's team leader of environmental health, Reiner Mussle, said a total of 284 individuals and groups submitted on the policy.

The proposed policy would see no new bottle stores in Whangarei for up to six years and would restrict the hours of existing outlets.

A 2012 Parliamentary act gave councils the right to determine their own policy on the sale and restriction of alcohol.

Oral submissions start today with additional sessions tomorrow and August 3.

Council is expected to adopt the finalised LAP on September 23.

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

The draft policy would mean:

-No new bottle stores in Whangarei for up to six years, although existing licences may be able to relocate.

-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.