The alcohol-free status of the new Wanaka Recreation Centre is likely to be formalised at today's meeting of the Queenstown Lakes District Council.
Regulatory manager Lee Webster is recommending the council adopt an alcohol policy for the centre which acknowledges it as an alcohol-free environment.
The exception would be functions where a special licence had been granted.
Mr Webster said while the adoption of a single venue policy without looking at the whole picture ''could be perceived as ad hoc'' the new facility presented ''a new opportunity to contribute to the reduction of alcohol-related harm through strong leadership from council at the outset''.
Mr Webster said the same policy could be extended to other council venues and facilities as part of a wider review.
Public consultation had consisted of liaison with the Wanaka Community Board.
Chairwoman of the board Rachel Brown is also chairwoman of the Wanaka Alcohol Group which has promoted the idea of keeping the centre alcohol-free.
