The potential limits are being investigated as the council considers its next steps on Dunedin’s local alcohol policy (Lap).
A policy review has been under way since 2024, but in August last year councillors decided to reconsult over concerns engagement had fallen short of statutory requirements.
Instead, they approved a three-stage engagement process to build on work completed in 2024.
Possible Lap content following the first stage — engagement with a dozen groups and agencies — was included in a report for Thursday’s council meeting.
The issue of ‘‘glass beverage bottle impacts’’, particularly in North Dunedin, was raised by key stakeholders the police, the medical officer of health and alcohol licensing inspectors, the report said.
The matter was also raised by the agencies during consultation in 2024.
‘‘Staff are seeking further legal advice on if a discretionary condition can be included in the Lap and will update council later in the year,’’ the report said.
The Lap came into force in February 2019 and the council is required to review it within six years of it taking effect, although it does not expire.
Measures proposed following stage 1 engagement included amending the hours off-licence premises could sell alcohol to between 9am and 9pm, as opposed the proposal in 2024 of 7am to 9pm and the current hours of 7am to 10pm.
Changes such as prohibiting the promotion of alcohol on the exterior of premises and a temporary freeze on new off-licence premises in parts of the CBD and much of North Dunedin appear to have been conserved from the initial review.
Staff have recommended councillors approve the second stage of engagement on possible Lap content — encompassing a wider range of groups and agencies.
The report said councillors could choose to skip it, speeding up the review process but losing insight into community preferences.
Stage 3 of the engagement process is consultation through the council’s special consultative process, which includes submissions and hearings.
