Have Your Say

Consultation is underway. We welcome your submissions between 6 June and 7 July.

Why have a Control of Alcohol in Public Places Bylaw?

The purpose of this Bylaw is to reduce crime or disorder in certain public places that is caused or made worse by alcohol consumed there.

This Bylaw has been widely supported by our community in the past. Our local Police tell us that it is one of the most effective tools they have in preventing crime and disorder.

The Bylaw allows Police to use discretion when addressing alcohol consumption in alcohol control areas. Officers can assess each situation and decide whether intervention is necessary. This approach enables de-escalation without the need for formal infringements or arrests, unless there is actual or potential alcohol-related crime or disorder.

Having alcohol restricted public places supports the following outcomes:

• Reduced alcohol related crime
• Improved perceptions of safety among the wider community
• Reduced environmental harm such as litter and vandalism

This bylaw sets the rules around drinking alcohol in public spaces like parks, reserves, and streets. This review is not about alcohol licences, bars, restaurants, or where alcohol can be sold—those are covered by separate policies and legislation.

Find out what we heard in our early engagement results and Police data here.

What is being proposed?

The Control of Alcohol in Public Places Bylaw sets out where alcohol bans or restrictions are in place across the district. In most cases, we are proposing to maintain the current settings.

For the locations where we are considering a change, we have provided options for the community to consider when making their submission.

We have not drafted different options for where the Bylaw is proposed to stay the same, however, you can still tell us whether you support this approach or not as part of your submission.

We are considering changes in Collingwood, Pōhara and Environs, Richmond and Tapawera. Read the Statement of Proposal to find out more about what is proposed for each location and why.

Zoom in on the map below to see where and when the consumption of alcohol in public places may be restricted.

- Red zones show where alcohol is prohibited 24 hours a day.

- Pink zones show where alcohol is prohibited 7pm to 7am.

- Orange zones show where alcohol is prohibited between 7pm and 7am for most of the year, but further restrictions apply over the summer months. In Riwaka there is a 24 Hour alcohol ban over summer, while in Kaiteriteri and surrounding areas, the alcohol ban timeframe is extended to 4pm - 7am.