Council is reviewing its Local Alcohol Policy and wants to hear the community’s feedback on when, where and how alcohol is sold in the Ashburton District.

Democracy and Engagement Group Manager Toni Durham said the existing policy, which includes a one-way door policy after 1am, was created in 2017 and Council is required under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act to review it and consult the public every six years.

“We believe the policy is working well, so we’re not proposing to make any changes, but we’d like to hear what our residents and businesses think.

“The aim is to reduce alcohol-related harm while still supporting a vibrant night life where people can enjoy alcohol responsibly.”

The current policy also includes restrictions for locations where off-licences can operate and maximum trading hours.

Mrs Durham said the Act allowed other measures, like a cap on the number of licences in a specific area, or restricting sale of alcohol near sensitive sites, like schools or churches.

“These are options we don’t feel are currently necessary in our district, but we want see what the community thinks, do you support our current policy, or would you like to see changes?”

The Local Alcohol Policy is just one method for reducing alcohol-related harm. Earlier this year, the Council reviewed the Alcohol Control Bylaw, which defines alcohol ban areas in the Ashburton and Methven town centres. Feedback from the community strongly supported Council's proposal to expand alcohol ban areas to account for town growth.

For details of the Local Alcohol Policy review, and to provide feedback, go to ashburtondc.govt.nz/haveyoursay

Submissions are open until 5pm, Friday 14 July.