A win for South Auckland: Auckland's local alcohol policy represents a major success for the community — thecoconet.tv

After nearly a decade of relentless legal battles, Auckland's local alcohol policy has finally been passed, representing a monumental victory for communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, particularly in South Auckland. At last week's council meeting, Auckland councillors voted unanimously to keep the policy in place until December 9, 2024, setting in motion a transformative change that will protect our neighbourhoods from the devastating impacts of alcohol-related harm.

South Auckland has been disproportionately affected for years by the proliferation of liquor stores and the associated social problems that come with easy access to alcohol. Of the 23 suburbs directly affected by this policy, 13 are in South Auckland, making this not just a win for our city, but a critical victory for our community.

A decades-long struggle for our rights

Councillor Josephine Bartley, Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, rightly describes this as a “significant day” for the whole of Tāmaki Makaurau. “We have been fighting for this on behalf of our communities for nearly ten years. The reason for introducing local alcohol policies is to give local people a say in where and when alcohol is available in their area,” she explained. This policy is not just about regulating alcohol; it is about empowering our communities to take control of their own environment.

The importance of this policy cannot be overstated. For nearly a decade, the voices of the people of South Auckland were drowned out by the legal machinery of powerful corporations. The relentless legal battles that supermarkets waged against this policy revealed a cruel reality: corporate interests were being put ahead of the welfare of the people. The battle went all the way to the High Court and delayed its implementation by nearly a decade.

Yet South Auckland has stood firm despite it all. Our communities have long called for tighter controls on alcohol availability and today those voices have been heard. “Our communities have told us enough. We have too many liquor stores in our neighborhoods,” Councilwoman Josephine Bartley said in making the announcement. This policy represents the culmination of years of grassroots activism, legal advocacy and an unwavering commitment to making our neighborhoods safer and healthier.

Transformative changes are imminent

The impact of this policy will be immediate and significant. From 16 September 2024, new applications for liquor licences in the inner city and 23 suburbs will be subject to strict restrictions, effectively halting the opening of new liquor stores in these areas for the next two years unless a very high threshold is met. For South Auckland, this means a two-year freeze on new liquor stores in 13 suburbs, providing a much-needed respite from the over-concentration of liquor outlets.

Then, on 9 December 2024, city-wide changes to alcohol sales hours will be introduced. Liquor stores and supermarkets across Auckland will no longer be allowed to sell alcohol after 9pm, while bars and restaurants outside the city centre will have to close at 3am. These measures will directly reduce the availability of alcohol during the late night hours when alcohol-related harm is most common.

Superintendent Scott Gemmell, Director of Tāmaki Makaurau Partnerships for the Police, highlighted the importance of this policy in addressing the daily challenges faced by law enforcement agencies. “We respond to incidents every day in which alcohol plays a key role. In fact, one in five victims is alcohol-related – that is not insignificant,” He noted the policy is an important tool in the fight against alcohol-related harm and crime, particularly in areas such as South Auckland where the social fabric is strained by alcohol misuse.

A safer, healthier South Auckland

This policy is more than just a set of regulations; it is a lifeline for communities suffering under the burden of alcohol-related harm. Dr June Leung, Health Officer for New Zealand's Ministry of Health Te Whatu Ora, pointed out the alarming statistics: “Alcohol is responsible for more than 900 deaths and 29,000 hospitalizations in Aotearoa New Zealand each year.” By limiting the number of alcohol outlets and restricting opening hours, Auckland's local alcohol policy will have significant impacts on public health and safety.

For South Auckland, this policy is a long-awaited step to free our neighbourhoods from the grip of alcohol. As one business owner in the CBD, Yael Shochat, pointed out: “This policy is a first step toward improving the safety of the community, the safety of my customers, the safety of my employees, and as a business owner, I have a duty of care to my community.” This view resonates with the people of South Auckland, who have been calling for such measures for years.

outlook

As we move toward full implementation of this policy, it is vital that we remain vigilant and continue to advocate for the needs of our communities. The fight for a safer, healthier South Auckland does not end here. This policy is an important milestone, but it is just the start of a broader effort to ensure our communities are protected and our voices are heard.

The adoption of Auckland's local alcohol policy underlines the strength of community engagement and South Auckland's resolve. As we celebrate this success, it is important to recognise the continued effort required. Together, we can continue to work towards a thriving, healthy and safe South Auckland for future generations.

The 23 suburbs listed below

Avondale
Clendon
Glen Eden
Glen Innes
Helensville and Parakai
Henderson
Hunters Corner
Mangere
Mangere East
Manukau
Manurewa
Mount Wellington
Oranga
Ōtāhuhu
Otara
Panmure
Papakura
Papatoetoe
Point England
Pukekohe
Takanini
Wellsford and Te Hana
Wiri.

Further information: HERE

–

– By arts and culture journalist Destiny Momoisea

Produced with support from Creative New Zealand