The present bylaw expires in December and there have been law changes which mean it needs to be reviewed, says Social Development Portfolio Leader Councillor Brian Dawson.
“Alcohol control bylaws are commonly used to manage issues caused by people drinking in public places. They are one of many measures outlined in our Alcohol Management Strategy which include regulatory tools such as giving the Police power to protect public safety and individuals, and the Council power to regulate licensed premises.
“We can also use non-regulatory tools such as our Local Hosts, the Meaningful Activities Funding, City Safety CCTV, community and other patrols such as Māori wardens and safety initiatives such as Take 10. The Council prioritises safety in its urban design projects too.”
Cr Dawson says regulatory controls on alcohol use in public areas were supported by the Police, health officials, and the general public.
“Council officers have reviewed the bylaw and are suggesting a few small boundary changes and some language tweaks to make it fit with the new legislation,” he adds.
The proposed changes will extend the Mt Victoria boundary up Majoribanks Street, along both sides of Brougham Street to Ellice Street, and remove the CentrePort area from the ban.
“The Council is aware some people may want to extend the ban to new areas. However, the new legislation says we need to be able to show a high level of crime or disorder which is attributable to drinking in public before we can add new areas. That means we need to gather some solid data before we can include new areas.
“We think the changes we are proposing are sensible and will line us up with the new law. But we are keen to hear from Wellingtonians on the issue, so we will be running a consultation on the changes.”
The consultation opened today (Friday 31 August) and runs until 5pm Sunday 30 September. People can make a submission through our Have Your Say section on the website, or they can pick up a submission form and a statement of proposal from libraries or the Council service centre in Wakefield St.