Shaping local alcohol laws together

Serve limits for alcohol at special-licensed events in the Hurunui District will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

This is part of Hurunui District Council’s Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) which was adopted on Tuesday afternoon.

The LAP outlines how alcohol is bought, sold and where it can be consumed within our district.

Throughout September a public consultation process invited members of the community to submit their thoughts on the Draft LAP. This opportunity was undertaken by the general public, the local wine industry, and health organisations.

The hearing enabled Councillors to receive both oral and written submissions prior to deliberating and adopting the final LAP.

Mayor Marie Black chaired the hearing and said it was encouraging to hear from the community on this topic.

“It’s a far-reaching one that has an impact on individuals, communities and businesses,” she said.

Many of the Policy’s draft proposals were adopted as discretionary, giving the District Licensing Committee (DLC) the ability to review applications on a case-by-case basis, and introduce conditions where deemed appropriate.

Mayor Black said this was a very positive outcome, reflecting the genuine and honest nature of the formal consultation process of the Draft LAP.

“We wanted to hear from our community, listened to what they had to say, and adopted a Policy to best fit the needs of everyone in Hurunui.”

The LAP will come into force on Friday March 1, 2024.

To view the full version, please visit https://www.hurunui.govt.nz/rrl/bylaws-and-policies

By law, the LAP is required for review every six years.