Thank you for taking the time to have your say. We received a total of 17 submissions.

On 10 November 2022, the recommendation that Council introduce a permanent alcohol ban area for the Shambles Theatre Reserve, Rotorua Community Youth Centre Reserve, Marist St Michael’s Sports Park Reserve and Council Lots (2 DPS 65170, 3 DPS 65170, 4 DPS 65170 and 5 DPS 65170), 24 hours a day and seven days a week, was put forward to Council.

Most submitters supported the proposal and agreed that a permanent ban would lead to a reduction in alcohol related crime and antisocial behaviour in the area. The feedback reinforced that Rotorua Lakes Council take steps such as this to provide safe community spaces for rangatahi, free from being harassed or feeling intimidated.

The concern for the Marist St Michael’s Rugby and Sports Club being subject to a ban was addressed by the provisions in the policy for a liquor license to still be obtained.

The permanent ban areas were put in place from 27 February 2023; until then, a temporary ban remained in place. The key aim is reducing harm and making Rotorua a safer area for all in the community.

Te kaupapa nei

Rotorua Lakes Council adopted a proposal to consult on making the temporary alcohol ban areas permanent. This proposal identifies Alcohol Free Zones in public places that had been recorded in Council and police reports to have high crime rates linked to alcohol. The bylaw enforced alcohol free zones temporarily for 12-months to provide a ‘trial’ period in which Council could quantify the success of implementing such measures.

Within Alcohol Ban Areas, the consumption of alcohol is not permitted in specified public places such as parks, footpaths, lakesides, beaches or roads, but is permitted on private land such as licensed premises or private residences. (A Bylaw does not apply to matters relating to licensed premises or the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012).

He aha te kaupapa nei?

After a successful temporary period, Council wished to make these temporary zones permanent.
Council consulted the community in order to make a resolution for the Temporary Alcohol Ban zones for:

• Rotorua Community Youth Centre Reserve
• Marist St Michaels Sports Park Reserve
• Shambles Theatre Reserve
• Council Lots 2, 3, 4, 5 DPS 65170

The image above identifies the proposed areas the bylaw would apply to. Even though there are 4 individual areas, the bylaw would recognise them collectively as 1 area and would be applied as such. A Bylaw would prohibit the consumption and restricts the possession and transportation of alcohol in specific public places within the Rotorua District (called Alcohol Ban Areas). The area in question would be permanent 24/7.

A breach of a Bylaw is an infringement, which, on conviction, can result in a fine of up to $20,000.

Nā te aha tātau e whai anō i tēnei kaupapa?

1. Both NZ Police and Council have repeatedly received reports of crime and disorder related to the Rotorua Community Youth Centre Reserve, Marist St Michaels Sports Park Reserve, Shambles Theatre Reserve and Lots 2, 3, 4, 5 DPS 65170 that sit adjacent to these reserves.
2. Crime and disorder have occurred over a number of years but has become easier for the police to control, following the decision of Council to implement temporary alcohol ban zones in February 2022.
3. While other tools had been used to deal with this crime and disorder, prior to February 2022 these were not effective or timely for reducing the behaviours. The bans have been successful in enabling more effective management of the issues as they occur.