Christchurch residents are being asked to have their say on new proposals aimed at tackling alcohol-related issues in the city.
The Christchurch City Council has released its Draft Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) for public consultation, which includes three key measures designed to reduce harm while supporting the city’s hospitality scene.
The proposals include:
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Requiring all off-licence retailers, including bottle stores and supermarkets, to stop selling alcohol by 9pm daily
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Introducing a freeze on new off-licences in high-deprivation communities
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Banning new bottle stores from setting up near addiction treatment centres, secondary and primary schools
The draft policy was approved by councillors yesterday and is open for feedback until midnight on Sunday 18 May 2025.
Mayor Phil Mauger said the draft was developed in response to concerns raised by residents and informed by community feedback and data.
“Over the last year we’ve gathered an enormous amount of insight from the community on how they see alcohol-related issues,” he said.
“Staff came up with a number of possible measures we could take, which were tested with the community and important players like NZ Police, Health New Zealand, and industry and hospitality representatives.”
Mauger said the draft policy represented a balanced approach.
“We’ve designed it to strike a balance between managing the effects of alcohol availability in vulnerable communities, and not putting a damper on Christchurch’s vibrant culture and successful hospitality industry.”
He urged residents to take the opportunity to have their say on a policy that could directly impact their neighbourhoods.
“One big message that’s already come through is that local communities want a bigger say in licensing decisions – so if you haven’t already, now’s the time to get involved.”
Once public feedback has been reviewed and hearings held, the council will decide whether to adopt the policy before the local elections in October 2025. If adopted, it will be reviewed every six years.
