New Zealand / Regional

Reduced opening hours in capital approved

12:01 pm on 2 October 2013

Reduced opening hours for bars and a trial of earlier closing times for bottle stores have been approved by Wellington City Council members at their last meeting before the election.

Part of the policy relates to exploring ways to help support the vibrancy of Wellington.

The council also plans to trial a period of restricting alcohol sales from off-license premises from 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays, in the central city and southern zone.

On-licence premises in the city will have to shut by 5am and there will be strict conditions for bars wanting to open past 3am.

The policy will be publicly notified on 21 January next year.