What we proposed
We proposed a draft policy that included restrictions to maximum trading hours and requiring a one-way door restriction for on-licensed premises such as hotels and taverns and class 1 restaurants that traded after 2am. We received 33 written submissions on our proposal and heard oral submissions on 10 December 2020.
The maximum trading hours we proposed were:
- For hotels, taverns and class 1 restaurants – 8am to 3am
- For all other on-licensed premises (including cafes, restaurants, function centres, theatres and cinemas) – 8am to 1am
- For all off-licensed premises (including bottle stores, supermarkets and grocery stores) – 7am – 9pm
- For all club licensed premises (including RSAs, sports clubs) – 8am to 12am
What we decided
We decided to make some changes to the proposal. The maximum trading hours for hotels, taverns and class 1 restaurants were changed to 8am to 2am, and all other on-licensed premises are 8am to 12am (except for function centres, which are able to trade from 8am to 1am). We also removed the one-way door restriction requirement.
Next steps
The local alcohol policy is not in effect yet. Before it can come into effect, we must give public notice of the appeals process, and any appeals must be dealt with.
We will be placing a public notice in the Manawatū Standard and Guardian newspapers formally notifying the appeals process. This notice is expected to appear on 27 May 2021. This marks the start of a 30-day period in which people can lodge appeals against the provisional policy.
How can I find out more?
We've created a new page for our provisional policy, and to provide information relevant to the appeals process and any further decisions we may make.
The Research Report informed the development of the draft policy. You can download it below: