Central Otago's first local alcohol policy has attracted 18 submissions.
Under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, local authorities can write their own policy, tailor-made for their community. The draft Central Otago policy, which opened for submissions in December, covers rules and conditions governing the sale and supply of alcohol in the district and includes things such as the maximum trading hours, location of licensed premises and conditions imposed on licences.
Submissions closed on Friday and the Central Otago District Council's planning and environment manager, Louise van der Voort, said the 18 submissions comprised 10 from organisations and eight from licensees or representatives of licensees. Nine of those making submissions wanted to appear at a hearing before the council, she said. No date has been set yet but if a special council meeting was needed, it was likely to take place in early April.
Altering the trading hours for off-licences was one of the main changes proposed in the draft policy. Off-licences had been allowed to open from 9am to midnight, but under the proposed policy the hours would be 7am-11pm. The policy proposed special 7am-3am licences be available for functions,
and trading hours for club licences be from 9am to 1am. On-licences could trade from 7am to 2.30am. Under the draft policy, the council has to give ''particular consideration'' to any potential adverse effects when granting an on-licence, off-licence or club licence near a ''sensitive location'' such as an early childhood centre, primary or secondary school, child-care centre or children's playground.
At December's council meeting, Ms van der Voort said extensive consultation had taken place on the draft policy. This included meetings with the Central Otago Winegrowers Association, Hospitality Association, health and social agencies and a Facebook survey aimed at youth. The police had advised the council there were ''no issues'' with the density of licensed premises in the district, she said.
''Having consulted with the community, it is considered that density and location of premises in Central Otago is generally not an issue and therefore should be controlled by the district plan.
''The licensed premises currently operating in close proximity to sensitive activities are not posing a problem. However, it is recognised that there is an opportunity to address this on applications for new licences,'' Ms van der Voort said.
