Policies - DLA Policy

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This policy aims to provide a framework for consistent decision-making about the sale of liquor within Wellington City with the intent of reducing alcohol abuse. It is a combination of community expectations about how alcohol is made available to consumers and legislative requirements governing generally accepted norms of behaviour.

This policy allows the Council to fine tune the application of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 through its own activities and those of the Liquor Licensing Authority (LLA).

The objective of the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 is to establish a reasonable system of control over the sale and supply of liquor to the public with the aim of contributing to the reduction of liquor abuse. This policy is designed to assist the Council in meeting its obligations under the Act.

The Sale of Liquor Act 1989 requires the Council to undertake the role of District Licensing Agency. The term "District Licensing Agency" (DLA) used in this policy refers to a function of the Council and not a separate body. The term "Council" is used to refer to the whole of the Council where other functions (such as noise control or District Plan compliance) may be relevant to the management of the sale and supply of liquor.

The DLA's role is to exercise its jurisdiction, powers, and discretions under the Act in the manner that is most likely to promote the object of this Act. An important part of this is the DLA acting on behalf of the community to represent the particular needs of Wellington City.

Background

The DLA's first Liquor Licensing Policy was produced in 1993. It was replaced in 1996 with a policy that remained as an interim document pending public consultation that was deferred until the Sale of Liquor Act 1989 was amended.

The Liquor Licensing Policy: reducing alcohol abuse, September 2000 was adopted after the impact of the Sale of Liquor Amendment Act 1999 was considered. Two years later a policy review examined the implications of recent changes to the licensing environment which resulted in the current policy, ratified on 5 March 2003.

While there is no legal requirement for the DLA to have a policy, a specific policy allows for the particular requirements of the city's community to be expressed and assists both the DLA and LLA in making their decisions. In particular the LLA has indicated that clear DLA policies providing direction on local matters will carry more influence within their decision-making process.

Finding a balance between the needs of the community and the entertainment and recreation sectors is not always easy. Wellington City is an entertainment destination and the bars, clubs and taverns provide life and vitality to many parts of the City. However, a boundary is crossed when alcohol consumption becomes excessive and alcohol abuse occurs. Where this happens or there is the potential for this to happen the DLA will act to protect the health of the community as required by the Sale of Liquor Act 1989.

The Amendment Act 1999 strengthened the role of DLAs. This policy builds on previous documents to provide a transparent and consistent set of guidelines that will support this increased role for the DLA within Wellington City.

Related Links

 

Department Details:
Liquor Licensing Services

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