Council supports potential alcohol law change

Waipā has joined a growing list of councils in endorsing a proposed law change aimed at giving communities a stronger voice on the sale of alcohol.

Waipā District Council voted today to support Green Party MP Chloe Swarbrick’s private members Bill. The Bill aims to remove the ability for large companies to appeal local alcohol policies, in favour of looser restrictions. Such appeals had previously cost councils hundreds of thousands of dollars and tied up locally-driven alcohol policies for years.

The Bill would also reduce the exposure of young people to alcohol advertising and remove the link between sport and alcohol. A number of other councils, including Whanganui, Christchurch, Auckland, Hamilton and Hauraki have already endorsed the proposed law change.

Waipā mayor Jim Mylchreest said communities deserved the biggest say on the issue of alcohol sales, noting “it is our our community that picks up the pieces”.

“It has been frustrating to see councils stymied in trying to set alcohol policies which reflect what their communities want, simply because big business with big pockets, have an ability to appeal,” he said.

“No-one can deny the level of alcohol harm in our community and the terrible impact it can have including on young people and on families. In particular, I acknowledge the request from Dr Richard Hoskins, the Medical Officer of Health, that we support this Bill am I am happy that we have,” he said.

Council delegated Councillor Marcus Gower to advocate to central government in support of the proposed Bill. If the Bill is successful in being introduced to Parliament, Council would have an opportunity to submit through the Select Committee process.