A recommendation not to impose a liquor ban in North Dunedin
has been welcomed by the University of Otago in an apparent
change of heart after it earlier spoke in favour of the ban.
This comes after the Dunedin City Council subcommittee this
week recommended against a ban instead pushing for a
''collaborative approach being developed by key
stakeholders'' to address alcohol-related issues in North
Dunedin and the city. Last year, the university submitted in
favour of a ban with vice-chancellor Prof Harlene Hayne
suggesting there could be merit in extending the ban to
include the entire city. However, in an apparent change of
heart, Prof Hayne said yesterday the university supported the
subcommittee's recommendation.
''The decision not to impose a liquor ban is consistent with
the university's view that, in isolation, liquor bans do not
reduce dangerous drinking.
''We appreciate that the DCC's committee consulted widely and
we support their conclusion,'' Prof Hayne said.
Otago University Students' Association president Francisco
Hernandez also welcomed the decision.
''We are pleased at the opportunity to work further with the
DCC and other stakeholders to ensure a collaborative approach
to harm minimisation is achieved,'' Mr Hernandez said.
The discussions had already yielded positive results, he
said.
''Discussions to date have included halving the size of Hyde
St by making it an invitation event from residents, ensuring
all guests are registered at the OUSA and have a personalised
identifiable wristband.''
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.