21 September 2022
Council Adopts Alcohol Control Bylaw 2022
IF you are planning a wedding at the picturesque Stoneham Walk park or a function at one of Kawerau’s venues, a new Alcohol Control Bylaw 2022 has been adopted.
At an extra ordinary meeting on Tuesday September 20, Kawerau District Council adopted the Alcohol Control Bylaw 2022.
The purpose of the bylaw is to control the consumption of alcohol in public places to reduce alcohol related harm. Updating the bylaw makes it easier for the Police to enforce the regulations.
The areas covered by the alcohol-free zone have been clarified and are available via three maps. The areas include the central business district, Prideaux Park, Stoneham Walk and the Kawerau Cemetery.
Council-owned venues are covered, including the District Offices, Town Hall, Concert Chambers, Ron Hardie Rec Centre and the Maurie Kjar Memorial Swimming Pool Complex.
Reviewing the bylaw has given Council the opportunity to assess the current processes and make changes in line with best practice health and safety guidelines.
In reviewing the processes, Council agreed that all venues available publicly and for private hire are covered by the Alcohol Control Bylaw 2022.
If a hirer wishes to supply or sell alcohol at any venue, they must seek a Special License from the District Licensing Committee (DLC). This application must be at least 20 working days prior to the event for the processing of the application by the committee, Police and Toi Te Ora Public Health.
In some exceptional circumstances, hirers can seek a Dispensation for the Bylaw in writing from the Council Chief Executive. This needs to be in writing at least 14 days prior to the event taking place.
“This will ensure alcohol consumption in public places is controlled and that the hirer is aware of their host responsibilities.”
A major change is that the Maurie Kjar Memorial Aquatic Centre is now part of the bylaw area making it an alcohol free zone.
The aquatic centre is a popular venue for private hires for birthday parties, sports team functions and family gatherings. Council believes excluding the consumption of alcohol at the venue is in line with the best practice health and safety guidelines.
The Council has contacted the persons who have booked private hires of the Maurie Kjar Memorial Aquatic Centre to advise them of the change.
The bylaw comes into effect on Friday, September 23.
People can view the Alcohol Control Bylaw 2022 including the maps with the areas designated alcohol free on the Council website kaweraudc.govt.nz or at the Council Offices during opening hours.
For queries about upcoming events, please contact Council on 07 306 9009, email kaweraudc@kaweraudc.govt.nz or come into the District Office to talk to our team.
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For more information, please contact Tania Humberstone on 027 464 3785.