Group to push for tougher alcohol policy in Whanganui

Safer Whanganui is appealing to the Minister of Justice to strengthen local alcohol laws.

A delegation from Safer Whanganui attended a recent Whanganui District Council meeting to request that councillors support Safer Whanganui’s approach to Justice Minister Kris Faafoi.

The request comes after the Whanganui District Licensing Committee approved an application for a 15th off licence in the district — despite the local alcohol policy stating there can only be 14 off licences. The district council and Whanganui police opposed the application, which was granted at the start of the year.

Lauren Tamehana, of Safer Whanganui, says the district licensing committee is required to consider, but not necessarily abide by, the local alcohol policy when making its decisions.

“Safer Whanganui intends to write to Minister Faafoi to ask for local alcohol policies to be given more teeth, so they can be enforced like any other bylaw.

“Alcohol has been a hot topic in Whanganui in recent years, and we are glad the council has agreed to support our approach to Minister Faafoi.”

Safer Whanganui chairwoman Kate Joblin says how, where and when alcohol is accessed needs the attention of central government.

“The current district licensing process is not working for our communities as it does not prioritise the community voice,’’ Joblin said.

The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 gives local councils the ability to put a local alcohol policy in place in their district. Whanganui’s local alcohol policy was adopted in 2019 after consultation with the community, and is one of the tightest alcohol policies in the country.

The district licensing committee considers applications from anyone applying for an alcohol licence.