Oranga among suburbs facing new alcohol policy3 min read
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Oranga is one of 24 suburbs across Auckland subject to a freeze on new liquor stores opening under the city’s newly implemented Local Alcohol Policy (LAP).
This policy aims to reduce the harm caused by alcohol in communities, with high levels of alcohol-related crime and excessive negative health impacts.
Oranga has been identified as part of the ‘priority overlay’, a group of suburbs where special restrictions will take precedence over existing regulations.
These areas have priority status as they have high levels of alcohol-related crime; high numbers of populations that experience excessive harm from alcohol; and high numbers of existing alcohol licences.
There are additional rules for these areas to manage the number and density of alcohol outlets, and to reduce alcohol-related harm in the local communities.
Neighbouring areas, such as Panmure, Māngere and Māngere East, will also face the freeze, which limits the number of new liquor stores, and aims to manage the density of alcohol outlets in the region.
The policy was voted for unanimously by Auckland councillors, with Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, Cllr Josephine Bartley, stating that local residents have long called for measures to limit the numbers of liquor stores in the neighbourhood, and is a step forward in creating a thriving, healthy and safer area.
“Communities have been crying out for change, wanting to see better for their neighbourhoods by objecting to new liquor stores opening up. They have said enough is enough,” says Josephine.
“The freeze aims to put a stop to new liquor stores opening in areas where alcohol is having a negative impact on peoples’ health, or there is already a high number of liquor stores in the area.”
Principal Specialist Alcohol Licensing at Auckland Council, Rob Abbott, says, “Outside of the 24 areas, applications to open new bottle stores in neighbourhood centres face a ‘rebuttable presumption’. This means it will also be tougher to open a new liquor store in other areas of Auckland. There are over 400 neighbourhood centres across Auckland, and they’re usually areas with rows of shops.”
The policy will roll out in two stages, and the first significant change took effect on Monday, 16th September.
Any application to open a liquor store in these areas will face a high likelihood of rejection over the next two years, unless it meets exceptionally strict criteria.
Further changes will follow on Monday, 9th December, when new trading hour limits will be enforced.
Bottle stores and supermarkets across Auckland will not be allowed to sell alcohol after 9pm. Bars, restaurants, and other on-licence venues will be allowed to sell alcohol until 4am in the city centre, and 3am in other areas. Sports clubs and RSAs will have until 1am to sell alcohol.
