What is a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP)?

A Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) is a set of decisions made by a local authority, in consultation with its community, about the sale and supply of alcohol in its area. Specifically, a LAP can set rules on when, where and how alcohol is sold. If a council has a LAP licensing bodies must consider it when making decisions about alcohol licensing applications. A well-designed LAP can play a significant role in reducing alcohol-related harm, while promoting safe and responsible drinking practices across the community.

To support this review Council has developed a comprehensive evidence-based research report; held two workshops with Elected Members, liaised with key stakeholders including: NZ police and Medical Officer of Health, and held a two-week long community survey on alcohol use and impact in Rotorua.

Proposed changes

As a result of this review, Council is proposing to make changes to its LAP to ensure it remains effective. These are:

  • Temporary freeze for 3 years on new off-licences opening. Following this there will be a more robust process to open a new store
  • Reducing off-licence operating hours to 7am to 9pm
  • Reducing on-licence operating hours in the inner city to 8am to 2am (the following morning)
  • Requiring new off-licence’s to engage with community sites and facilities like hospitals and places of worship prior to application
  • Adding further conditions to off-licences, including stopping external advertisement of alcohol on the shop front
  • The consultation also seeks feedback on whether further conditions for on-licences, club licences and special licences should be added.

Definitions

Off-licences
Allow for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption elsewhere, such as bottle stores and supermarkets.
On-licences
Allow for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on site, such as cafes, bars and restaurants.
Club-licences
Allow for the sale and supply of alcohol on site at a club (such as sports clubs) for authorised members or guests.
Special licences
Allow for the sale and supply of alcohol at events or occasions that are outside a licensee’s normal operating hours.

Community survey

Feedback we heard from the community about their views and experiences of alcohol in Rotorua.