Auckland Council is seeking submissions on its review of alcohol bans in public places. If you want to keep alcohol bans in place in your local parks and reserves, you need to prove to Auckland Council (through submissions and supporting evidence such as photos) that the ban should remain.
The reason for the review is that previously the Council could apply alcohol bans in similar types of public places (e.g. in all parks if there were problems in a few specific parks). However recent changes in the Local Government Act 2002 mean this approach is no longer possible. All alcohol bans must be assessed individually for evidence of high levels of alcohol-related crime or disorder occurring in the specific ban area.
How to have your say
The first step is to complete a written submission. We encourage the use of the submission form as it provides a prompt for the key information required. People may:
- complete an online submission form at shapeauckland.co.nz, OR
- complete a hard copy submission form (available from Orakei Local Board office in Meadowbank Mall) and either drop it in to us or return by freepost, OR
- provide their own written submission (this should cover off they key aspects outlined in the council submission form).
The written submission period is open now and closes on Friday 17 July 2015. Local board hearings and deliberations will occur August – September, with all final decisions to be made before 31 October 2015.