The city needed to take a lead role in the matter, Cr Colin Weatherall said yesterday, because of the unique alcohol issues the city had because of its student population.
"It is essential we appear in front of the select committee," Cr Weatherall said at a full council meeting.
The council had done so in the past by tele-conference but, considering the issues the city had, that should not be done in the case of the Alcohol Reform Bill, he said.
A report from development services manager Kevin Thompson said the Government was proposing significant changes in the Bill, in response to the Law Commission 2010 report, Alcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm.
The Bill intended to reduce excessive drinking by young people and lessen alcohol-related harm, including crime, disorder, public nuisance and health problems.
The council supported some aspects of what the Government had suggested, including administrative changes and maximum trading hours from 8am to 4am for on-licenses and 7am to 11pm for off-licenses.
The Bill would bar 18 and 19-year-olds from off-license premises, but allow them to buy liquor at on-licenses.
Local alcohol policies would be developed, allowing communities to have their say on alcohol sale and supply.
Deputy mayor Chris Staynes raised concerns about one rule setting maximum strengths on ready to drink (RTD) products and beer, which he said would catch out some small local breweries with higher alcohol beer.
District Licensing Authority inspector Tony Mole said the RTD market was attracting young people to alcohol, and "you can't make an omelette without breaking some eggs".
Cr Weatherall said, in particular, the council needed to work hard to make the most of local alcohol policies, which would allow it to make rules that suited Dunedin's situation.
He moved the report be received, changes be authorised and for the council to present its case in person.
The motion was adopted unanimously.
