Caution urged on new alcohol policy

Research on the harm alcohol causes in the community may be carried out by the Waitaki District Council as the first step towards preparing a Local Alcohol Policy.

Local authorities in New Zealand are required to develop an alcohol policy, to be considered when a district licensing committee makes decisions, including on licences.

However, some policies have been subject to legal appeals and two have already been ruled against. Another 12 are under appeal and only one policy has been adopted without appeal.

The council has already indicated it will prepare a Waitaki policy, but staff are recommending it be delayed until appeals have been dealt with so it is clearer what the law is and money and staff time is not wasted.

However, regulatory services manager Lichelle Guyan suggests a start can be made on research so up-to-date information is on hand when a draft policy is prepared.

The first step is to carry out research to determine the level of alcohol harm in the district, in consultation with a number of groups and organisation.

Some community groups could offer valuable insight and information, she said.

''It is important research is current and relevant,'' she said.

The council had to be careful not to complete research too early.

It was estimated it would take about 72 hours to complete the research and cost about $5000, which could be done by a consultant or members of the Waitaki district licensing committee.

That proposal will be considered by the customer services committee on Wednesday.

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