The South Taranaki District Council's environment and hearings committee has recommended changes to the district's draft liquor control bylaw, and included in that is a liquor ban including Patea town and beach.
The committee voted for the change at its meeting this week, driven by a request from the town's community board and police. However, the move has been opposed by iwi representatives who said it was heavy-handed.
Police had advocated the alcohol ban because of the incidence of disorderly behaviour, property damage, violence, and domestic violence. If signed off by the full council, the liquor ban will also extend the present coverage to take in a larger area within Hawera township, including the CBD.
The draft bylaw will go to the full council, but there will be an opportunity for public feedback.
