A Victory for South Auckland: Auckland's Local Alcohol Policy Marks a Major Win For Community

After nearly a decade of relentless legal battles, Auckland’s local alcohol policy has finally been adopted, marking a monumental victory for communities across Tāmaki Makaurau, especially South Auckland. At last week’s council meeting, Auckland's councillors unanimously voted to enforce the policy by December 9, 2024, setting in motion a transformative change that will protect our neighborhoods from the devastating impacts of alcohol-related harm.

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

A Decade-Long Battle for Our Rights

Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, rightfully calls this a "momentous day" for all of Tāmaki Makaurau. "We’ve been fighting for this on behalf of our communities for almost ten years. The reason local alcohol policies were brought in was to allow local people to have a say over where and when alcohol is available in their area," she stated. This policy is not just about regulating alcohol; it’s about empowering our communities to take control of their own environments.

The significance of this policy cannot be overstated. For almost ten years, the voices of South Auckland's communities have been drowned out by the legal machinery of powerful corporations. The relentless legal battles waged by supermarkets against the policy exposed a stark reality: corporate interests were prioritized over community well-being. The fight took the policy all the way to the Supreme Court, delaying its implementation for nearly a decade.

Yet, through it all, South Auckland stood resilient. Our communities have long voiced the need for stricter 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," affirmed Councillor Josephine Bartley during 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 on the Horizon

The policy’s impact will be felt immediately and significantly. Beginning September 16, 2024, new off-licence applications in the central city and 23 suburbs will face stringent 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 bottle shops in 13 suburbs, offering a much-needed reprieve from the over-concentration of liquor outlets.

Then, on December 9, 2024, the policy will introduce city-wide changes to alcohol trading hours. Bottle shops and supermarkets across Auckland will no longer be able to sell alcohol after 9pm, while bars and restaurants outside the central city will have to close by 3am. These measures will directly reduce the availability of alcohol during the late-night hours when alcohol-related harm is most prevalent.

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. "We respond to incidents where alcohol is a key factor every day. In fact, 1 in 5 victimizations are fueled by alcohol – it’s not insignificant," he noted. The policy is a critical tool in the fight to reduce alcohol-related harm and crime, especially in areas like South Auckland where the social fabric has been strained by alcohol abuse.

A Safer, Healthier South Auckland

This policy is more than just a set of regulations; it’s a lifeline for communities that have been struggling under the weight of alcohol-related harm. Dr. June Leung, Medical Officer of Health for Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, pointed to the alarming statistics: "Alcohol is responsible for more than 900 deaths and 29,000 hospitalizations each year in Aotearoa New Zealand." By limiting the number of alcohol outlets and restricting trading hours, Auckland’s local alcohol policy is poised to make a significant impact on public health and safety.

For South Auckland, this policy is a long-awaited step towards reclaiming our neighborhoods from the grip of alcohol harm. As one business owner in the CBD Yael Shochat emphasized, "This policy is a first step towards improving the safety in the community, the safety of my customers, the safety of my employees, and as a business owner, I have a duty of care towards my community." This sentiment resonates deeply with the people of South Auckland, who have been calling for such measures for years.

Looking Ahead

As we move towards the full implementation of this policy, it’s crucial that we remain vigilant and continue to advocate for the needs of our communities. The fight for a safer, healthier South Auckland doesn’t end here. This policy is a significant milestone, but it’s just the beginning of a broader effort to ensure that our communities are protected and our voices are heard.

The adoption of Auckland’s local alcohol policy highlights the strength of community advocacy and the determination of South Auckland. While we celebrate this achievement, it's important to acknowledge the ongoing efforts needed. Together, we can keep working toward 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
Māngere
Māngere East
Manukau
Manurewa
Mt Wellington
Oranga
Ōtāhuhu
Ōtara
Panmure
Papakura
Papatoetoe
Point England
Pukekohe
Takanini
Wellsford and Te Hana
Wiri.

For more information: HERE

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- By Arts & Cultural Journalist Destiny Momoisea

Made with the help of Creative New Zealand