Local Alcohol Policy

A local alcohol policy (LAP) is a set of decisions made by a local authority (Council) in consultation with its community about the sale and supply of alcohol within its district. Once a LAP is in place, licensing bodies must consider it when they make decisions about alcohol licensing applications.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act states that our LAP must be reviewed every six years. A review of our LAP commenced in November 2023 and a draft of the revised LAP has been prepared for consultation - you can find a copy of this policy on the right hand side of this page under the documents section.

What we are proposing

Council is committed to ensuring that the Ōtorohanga District is a safe place to live, visit and work in.

The LAP remains largely unchanged, however the following key changes have been made in order to provide more clarity and to make the policy more user friendly.

• An introduction to the policy has been created to explain the reason why Council is required to have the LAP.
• The purpose and scope of the LAP has been combined to provide clarity on what Council wishes to achieve through the LAP.
• Further item to consider for adoption:

Our current LAP states that no new licensed premises directly bordering school, early childcare facility, or place of worship. Consider expanding the list to include the following - ”directly bordering school, early childcare facility, place of worship, marae, or health facilities."

Have your say - 24 July – 15 August 2024

You can tell us your thoughts on our LAP by heading to the submission form at the bottom of this page. You also have to opportunity to speak to your submission if you choose, the hearing for this policy will be held on 10 September 2024.

You can also get a copy of the submission form from our office at 17 Maniapoto Street, Ōtorohanga. A PDF of the submission form is on the right hand side of this page under the documents section should you wish to print it.