A review of alcohol bans in the Western Bay of Plenty is underway with people asked to share their views on alcohol consumption and alcohol-related crime and disorder in the District.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is reviewing its Liquor Control Bylaw following a request from Te Puke Police and Te Puke Community Board in late 2015for an alcohol ban in the town’s shopping centre.



The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is currently reviewing alcohol bans in the region.

Council Group Manager Policy Planning and Regulatory Services, Rachael Davie, says the request was prompted by locals’ concerns about disorderly and anti-social behavior related to alcohol consumption.

“Our current bylaw only enables Council to impose alcohol bans in Waihi Beach and Katikati, so a review is needed to consider a ban in Te Puke.

“Because we are required to fully review our bylaw by December 2018, we decided to combine the two processes.”

While the review is considering any new alcohol bans, it also looks at whether the existing bans in Katikati and Waihi Beach should continue.

An online feedback site has been created for people to share their views about alcohol consumption, alcohol-related crime and express any concerns around community safety.

Public demand for an alcohol ban will not be enough to add or retain a ban under new legislation, says Rachael.

“Alcohol bans are subject to a new set of legislative requirements and these set a higher threshold that must be met for Council to retain an existing alcohol ban, or impose any new alcohol bans.

“It means that bans should only be targeted to problem locations and times, where there is clear evidence of crime and disorder caused or made worse by alcohol consumption,” says Rachael.

“We need evidence to prove a high level of crime and disorder would occur without a ban – and that’s why people’s experiences and feedback are so important.”

Rachael encourages anyone who has experienced alcohol-related crime in their town to visit the online site – fill in the short survey and take part in the discussion forums. Feedback can be anonymous.

Alternatively, people can fill out the survey at any of Council’s library and service centres.

Examples of alcohol-related crime include anything from littering, broken bottles and abusive language and behaviour, to incidents where you feel like your safety has been compromised or even extreme crimes such as sexual violence or murder.

The review also takes into account community safety and seeks opinions on other community safety initiatives.

The online consultation is open from today to Monday, February 1.

Following stage one, a draft bylaw will be created and released for consultation with the community in March and April 2016.

The final bylaw is expected to be adopted in August 2016.