Community survey on sale of alcohol under way

A survey to find out what people think should be included in a policy to govern the sale of alcohol in Kāpiti will be under way in the community from Friday 14 March. This is part of the research to develop a draft Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) for Kāpiti Coast.

Local authorities can now develop their own LAPs due to changes introduced by the Sale & Supply of Alcohol Act in 2012. LAPs may set district rules for the sale of alcohol, such as hours of business, the number of on and off-licence premises there can be in an area and proximity of places that sell alcohol to some community facilities.

In July 2013 Council approved development of a LAP for Kāpiti Coast. The plan will be developed in a partnership between local Police, the Medical Officer of Health and Licensing Inspector

Chair of the Council's Regulatory Management Committee, Diane Ammundsen, says it's vital that the rules in the LAP are the best fit for the Kapiti community.

"The LAP is all about reducing alcohol-related harm in the community so getting the views of local people on how that could be achieved are an important part of the LAP development process.

"If you are approached by someone in the community and asked to take part in the survey I encourage you to give us your views."

Work on the draft LAP will begin in May 2014 and the final draft will be released for public submissions later in the year. Councillor Ammundsen says there will be more opportunities for people to have their say on the policy before it is finalised.

"The LAP aims to minimise alcohol-related crime and harm in our community. We are hoping for a good community dialogue on the issue that will contribute to this goal."