Police are proposing a six-year ban on any new bars and bottle stores in central Auckland and other regional hot-spots, Radio New Zealand reports.
Auckland Council wants to restrict access to alcohol in the city and make central bars close at 3am by default - but an almost 30-page police submission on the council’s Local Alcohol Policy is demanding more be done.
As a minimum, police want a freeze on the number of liquor licences in some areas so a new site would only be able to get a licence if another made way for it. However, they would rather have a sinking lid policy, under which no new licences are given even if other bars or shops close down.
Police say there is evidence of the escalating harm from late night drinking every night of the week and it’s crucial the council help make an environment that won't lead to more deaths, assaults and serious injuries.