Advocates are expressing disappointment at Tauranga City Council's draft Local Alcohol Policy, suggesting it does not go far enough to address alcohol-related harm in the region.

Alcohol Action NZ and Alcohol Healthwatch are calling for a reduction in off-license trading hours and provisions on the growth of liquor stores in areas of high-risk socio-economic concerns and near sensitive sites – such as schools or maraes.

Feedback on the draft Local Alcohol Policy began in mid-November and closes on December 20.

The proposals are to reduce opening hours of bars and restaurants in Tauranga city centre to 2am rather than 3am and to bring in a 1am one-way door policy, in line with The Mount's current approach.

However, the current draft policy does not propose any changes for off-licenses, which has received some criticism.

'I fully support the reduction in on-licence trading hours, which is backed up by strong research,” says Mount Maunganui GP Dr Tony Farrell.

'However, off-licences must also close earlier as we know this can reduce harm, particularly to young people. Later alcohol purchases are more likely to be made by our heaviest drinkers and this puts everyone at risk of harm.”

Tony, who is also the chair of Alcohol Action NZ, believes off-licenses in the Tauranga area should be made to close earlier whilst there should also be restrictions on where new liquor stores are placed.

'We are calling for earlier closing hours for off-licences and a halt to the growth of off-licences in Tauranga's most deprived neighbourhoods,” says Tony.

'It is unjust that our bottle stores are disproportionately concentrated in areas of high deprivation. We are also calling for no new bottle stores next to schools and other sensitive sites.”

Chair of Alcohol Action NZ Dr Tony Farrell, right, believes more restrictions on off-licenses is needed in Tauranga. File photo. SunLive.

At present, off-licenses can be open from 7am to 10pm in Tauranga.

A recent proposal for a new liquor store in Brookfield was withdrawn after mass community objections, related to its proximity to schools, early childhood centres and the high concentration of elderly people in the area.

Tauranga City Council's general manager of strategy and growth Christine Jones says the purpose of a Local Alcohol Policy is to reduce alcohol related harm in the community.

As required by law, the latest draft policy was done so in conjunction with police, the Medical Officer of Health and licensing inspectors.

However, the reduction in off-license hours was not supported by current license holders and providing proof the action would reduce risk could be problematic.

'Many options were considered when the draft policy was put forward, including a reduction in off-licence opening hours,” says Christine.

'However, this option was not recommended to the committee as we felt it was unlikely to be supported by current licence holders and that there could be potential difficulties providing evidence to support such a recommendation.”

Alcohol Healthwatch director Dr Nicki Jackson says two-thirds of Bay of Plenty residents support reducing the number of places that sell alcohol. She says legal threats should not take precedent over community worries.

'We can't let the risk of legal appeals from the off-licence sector be placed ahead of community wishes for greater control,” says Nicki.

Christine is encouraging people to get their feedback on the issue in before submissions close on December 20.

'It's great to see community interest in this important issue and we're keen to continue the conversation,” she says.

Nicki is also hopeful Tauranga residents make their voices heard on the issue.

'The Bay of Plenty has the second highest prevalence of hazardous drinking in the country and high rates of alcohol-related admissions to hospital,” says Nicki.

'Yet the draft policy fails to tackle the major source of alcohol sales and harm, namely off-licences including supermarkets and bottle stores.

'Every resident of, and visitor to, Tauranga stands to gain from a reduction in the availability of alcohol.

'With less alcohol being consumed, we can improve our physical and mental health, reduce family harm, have safer roads and communities, and lift employment and productivity.”

Nicki says that anyone wishing to have their say can do so at www.protectourfuture.org.nz by 5pm, December 20.

After feedback closes next week Council hearings are expected in February or March.

The provisional policy will then be adopted by May 2022 with an appeal period of 30 days after public notification.