Consideration of a draft replacement of the Dunedin City Council’s local alcohol policy (Lap) began in late November last year.
Proposed changes included amending the hours off-licence premises could sell alcohol to between 7am and 9pm, as opposed to 7am to 10pm, prohibiting the promotion of alcohol on the exterior of premises and a temporary freeze on new off-licence premises in an area north of the Octagon.
The Lap came into force in February 2019 and the council is required to review it within six years of taking effect.
But a report tabled to councillors at a meeting last week said an update would be presented at another meeting this month to propose the policy be consulted upon again early next year.
Hearings committee chairman Cr Jim O’Malley said submitters during the public hearings proposed changes the committee felt were "too big a step to make" without putting the plan out for consultation again.
The policy had been in the hands of the administrative side of the council since February.
Consultation should have been under way again by now and, even if it were to start next year, could take at least six months before coming back before the council to be ratified, he said.
"This seems to be still carrying on and we really need to get on, write a new one, one that’s properly consulted, and it needs to be done as quickly as possible."
Council’s corporate services acting general manager Paul Henderson said staff had undertaken "substantial work" since late February.
This included reviewing and updating evidence that supported the Lapposition, so it reflected the latest available data, and reviewing other Lap adoption processes from across the country to consider best practice.
The committee resolved in February to report back to the full council recommending a revised consultation document be prepared and consulted on.
It also recommended the tri-agencies — police, the medical officer of health and the council’s licensing inspectors — and other affected parties were "actively engaged throughout the process including the preparation of the revised consultation document".
"The hearings committee was concerned there was insufficient engagement in the first pre-consultation phase, so it is important the next round of pre-consultation is thorough and robust," Mr Henderson said.
Staff intended to complete all preparatory work before the local body elections, so the incoming council could consider the policy "from start to finish".
The committee’s recommendation would be reported back to council on August 26, he said.
The policy review also has implications for decisions by the district licensing committee.
In June, an off-licence renewal application for Leith Liquorland was opposed by the medical officer of health delegate, who requested the store close an hour earlier.
The sale of alcohol in glass containers was also questioned.
In its decision, committee secretary Kevin Mechen said they agreed a 9pm closing time could be beneficial for all off-licensed premises.
"We will leave the matter of closing times and the sale of products in glass to the council during the review of the Lap.
"If the trading hours are changed at the end of that process, all licences will be reissued with the new condition so a ‘level playing field’ is implemented."
Legal opinion obtained by the council was the Lap was still valid until the conclusion of the review, Mr Mechen said.
The licence was renewed.
