Few submissions suggest few concerns about the Queenstown Lakes District Council's proposed new alcohol ban bylaw, council regulatory manager Lee Webster says.
Just nine submitters offered feedback on the council's Alcohol Ban Bylaw 2014, which was the outcome of a review of the 2009 Liquor in Public Places Bylaw following changes to the Local Government Act 2002 last December.
Submissions will be heard today in Queenstown before the council considers the outcome of the consultation process on December 18.
A police submission on the review recommended year-round bans on alcohol in public areas - set at 10pm-8am at present - start two hours earlier at 8pm, and that alcohol ban areas in Wanaka and Hawea be extended.
However, the proposed new bylaw makes no change to the existing ban areas and times as under the changes to the Act, evidence was needed that a ''high level of crime and disorder'' would result if a stricter alcohol ban bylaw was not approved, Mr Webster said.
''At the moment, we haven't got any evidence or information to support that ... and we've had very few submissions so ... I'd take from that that most people are happy with the proposed bylaw.''
Queenstown CBD business operator Reg Anderson sought an earlier ban, having long observed large numbers of people congregating from 8pm at the lake reserve, across the road from his business.
''There is no control on the amount of alcohol drunk and people are required to drink all their supplies as they cannot take them to the backpackers or to the licensed premises that they visit later on.''
The resulting behaviour, such as bad language, public urination and spraying each other with beer, was intimidating to tourists and families.
''There have been some comments in regard to the rights of people to have a drink in public. I consider we should be more concerned about the rights of our visitors to enjoy a peaceful sunset unhindered.
''The rights of drinkers are well and truly covered by the many bars in the area, some of which have outside facilities.''
Michael Clark called for a complete year-round ban on people walking the streets with opened alcohol, while Alex Cully said alcohol restrictions should only apply around Christmas and New Year.
The Southern District Health Board endorsed the police recommendation of an earlier time liquor ban time to help reduce the ''significant alcohol-related harm that currently characterises our society''.
The board also recommended the council allow an additional evidence collection phase involving a co-ordinated project between QLDC and the police with input from the community.
