Any Brewer enjoys a good party. Here I am on my election night sporting my old Taranaki colours no less. However in my past life in Newmarket I experienced ongoing frustrations with our off-licence liquor laws. Since my below letter was submitted to the Herald On Sunday, the applicant has withdrawn his bottle store application for West Tamaki Road due to widespread public opposition. Well done to the community. Also please note submissions to the bill close 1 February 2011.
Dear Editor,
Good on Kiwi league player Logan Swann joining other residents in Auckland’s Eastern Bays and Glen Innes against a proposed suburban liquor store on West Tamaki Road in close proximity to a number of schools.
Public outrage against off-licences has become all to frequent and sadly under the 1989 Sale of Liquor Act, community’s anger has counted for little. However that’s about to change.
The Government’s recently introduced Alcohol Reform Bill aims to return some power to the people. It aims to make off-licences harder to get and empowers local communities to adopt a local alcohol policy where they dictate the concentration, location and opening hours of alcohol outlets – not the Liquor Licensing Authority. This is all encouraging stuff, but the public now needs to get involved in the submission process and ensure the legislation does in fact deliver.
The new legislation could take the better part of a year to pass. In the meantime communities need to be aware that there will be other applications for suburban liquor stores lodged in an attempt to beat the tougher laws.
Cameron Brewer – Auckland Councillor for Orakei