A year-round liquor ban in the CBD’s of Te Awamutu, Kihikihi, Cambridge and Leamington is a key component of Council’s newly adopted Waipa District Public Places Liquor Control Bylaw 2008.
The bylaw, which became operative on Monday December 15, is a joint initiative between local police and Waipa District Council, and also includes the skateboard parks. Police will enforce the bylaw, which includes the ability to search, seize, arrest and prosecute.
The bylaw will not affect liquor licence holders says Council’s Environmental Safety Manager Jennie McFarlane.
“Under the Sale of Liquor Act 1989, if you have an on-licence or special licence, you will not be affected by the bylaw during your specified hours. If you own an establishment that has a licensed outdoor area that is part of a public place, the liquor ban will only apply after 10pm.”
Liquor bans are now a common occurrence around the country, and complement a range of community safety initiatives. Waipa’s liquor ban covers the consumption and/or possession of liquor in a public place, including vehicles, but excludes the transportation of unopened containers (for example from the supermarket or bottle store to your home or a restaurant).
Senior Sergeant Dave Simes of the Te Awamutu Police says the Police are totally supportive of the liquor ban, and will work with the community through the initial implementation period.
Once established, Senior Sergeant Simes says the liquor ban provides an important tool in maintaining safety in public areas, and the ability to ‘nip trouble in the bud’ and remove people who are intent on flouting the liquor ban is an important way police officers can maintain a safe environment for everyone to enjoy.
Information brochures, maps, posters and signs have been produced and are currently being distributed and installed around the district, information is also available on Council’s website www.waipadc.govt.nz
MAPS
Cambridge and Leamington (JPG 1mb)
Te Awamutu and Kihikihi (JPG 1mb)
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