Holiday drinking bans in public at some of the Lower North Islands most popular holiday spots could become permanent as the council reviews its policy.
By Sue Teodoro of Local Democracy Reporting
Masterton District Council decided at its meeting on Wednesday to ask the public for their views on whether booze should be permanently banned in Riversdale Beach and Castlepoint during peak holiday periods.
The public consultation would be part of the council’s broader, regular alcohol policy review.
A report tabled at the meeting said it was time to consider if New Year’s Eve and Labour weekend should be permanently dry in public places in both townships.
"Officers consider the evidence now meets the threshold to formalise, within the proposed bylaw, alcohol-free zones at New Year’s Eve and Labour Weekend at Riversdale Beach and Castlepoint. It is proposed to incorporate these in the bylaw alongside existing alcohol-free zones," it said.
The report asked the council to approve the proposed bylaw, including the suggested permanent holiday ban, for public consultation.
It noted up until now the two spots had been temporarily zoned alcohol-free at Labour Weekend and New Year's Eve in response to alcohol-related crime and disorder that had occurred at these times.
The recommendation noted no other alcohol-free zone amendments were proposed.
The current bylaw bans alcohol in the Masterton CBD and skatepark at all times, and in Queen Elizabeth Park between 9pm and 7am.
With the recommendation approved, consultation would start next week, with the council’s hearings committee hearing submissions on the proposal on April 15 and deliberating on May 20.
"Officers consider that the long-term effectiveness of alcohol-free zones at Riversdale Beach and Castlepoint at the specified holiday times (demonstrated by a reduction in alcohol-related harm at those times) now meets the threshold to embed these alcohol-free zones within the bylaw without the council needing to approve them on an annual basis.
"Officers are bringing this report to council now so that community consultation, if the council agrees, can occur before the annual plan process begins."
It said the problem to be addressed was alcohol-related harm in public places including crime, disorder, nuisance, and property damage, considering "historic issues and seasonal population surges at Masterton’s coastal settlements".
Police data and the anecdotal observations of local police supported the analysis of the problem.
"The proposed bylaw provides an effective tool to discourage and minimise offensive behaviours associated with alcohol consumption. It allows police to remove alcohol from intoxicated individuals and minimises alcohol consumption in a public place, including before entering a licenced venue (thereby addressing preloading and side loading problems)."
Consultation would start next week, taking place between February 25 and March 25, with the hearings in April. The council was expected to issuing more information with details of the process shortly.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
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