Media release

Public consulted on liquor bylaw

Posted On: Monday, 14 July 2003

Council is consulting the public [beginning Wednesday 16 July] on a proposed bylaw to increase the controls on liquor for the greater CBD area (Mill Street to Bridge Street).

Environmental services general manager Graeme Fleming says the bylaw puts stricter controls on drinking or possessing alcohol in central city public areas.

"Council is proposing to restrict alcohol consumption in the central city to only those areas with a liquor licence. Basically this means putting a stop to people wandering the city with an open beer in hand. As such, it won't actually affect the drinking habits of 99 per cent of the public, but Hamilton Police support the move as it is expected to be a further measure to contain those who can at times get out of control," Mr Fleming says.

Councillor John Gower says the bylaw is about improving central city safety.

"What we are saying is, if you're not happy drinking in a controlled environment such as licensed premises, then don't come to the central city. Hamilton's nightlife has an excellent reputation as a place to have a good time and we want to keep it that way.

"Council has included a number of central city safety initiatives in this year's annual plan to continue to protect what we consider a city asset. This proposed bylaw is another avenue for keeping our city safe," Cr Gower says.

Copies of the proposed bylaw will be available at Hamilton City Libraries, or at the main Council Building in Garden Place on the ground floor reception, or Strategic Group's reception on the second floor.

Submissions are to be made in writing between 16 July and 20 August to: Strategic Group, Second floor, Council Building, Garden Place, fax 838 6464 or email to submissions@hcc.govt.nz. Include your name, address, phone number and if possible an email address.

The bylaw covers the area within: Mill Street from Seddon Road to the river; Waikato River from Mill Street to Bridge Street; Bridge Street from Waikato River to Anglesea Street; Anglesea Street from Bridge Street to Ward Street; Ward Street from Anglesea Street to Seddon Road; Seddon Road, from Ward Street to Mill Street.