Reduced hours for Dunedin alcohol sales proposed

Earlier closing times for night clubs and bottle stores are being mooted to curb the drinking habits of Dunedin’s student population, under changes to the city’s Local Alcohol Policy (LAP).

The proposed amendments focus on limiting alcohol-related harm, particularly among Dunedin’s significant 18-24-year-old population, and are designed to balance the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act’s requirements with the city’s vibrant nightlife, Dunedin City Council alcohol, psychoactive substances, and gambling Advisor Kevin Mechen says.

“While Dunedin’s student population brings energy and vibrancy to the city, research has consistently shown that we also have one of the highest rates of hazardous drinking in the Southern Region.

“These policy changes are about creating safer drinking environments for everyone.”

Proposals include reducing off-licence trading hours from 10pm to 9pm, after concerns were raised during District Licensing Committee hearings about late-night impulse alcohol purchases.

Other proposals include standardising on-licence opening times to 9am and reducing the maximum trading hours for entertainment venues from 4am to 3am.

Main image: Dunedin bottle store opening times could be changed under LAP proposals.

Additionally, restrictions on external alcohol advertising near sensitive facilities, such as schools and marae are being considered.

A University of Otago spokesperson told Crux the University has not yet had an opportunity to thoroughly review the draft plan or assess its potential impacts.

“We will carefully consider the proposed plan and its implications and intend to make a formal submission to the council with our perspectives and recommendations once we have completed our review.”

Consultation closes on Thursday, November 14.

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