Taranaki Medical Officer of Health Jonathan Jarman is disappointed alcohol trading hours will barely change in the district.
The New Plymouth District Council originally wanted its Local Alcohol Policy to restrict liquor sales to between 10am and 9pm but this week signed off on 7am to 9.30pm. The existing hours are the legal maximum of 7am to 11pm.
Dr Jarman said the decision saddened him because there was clear evidence linking the availability of liquor to alcohol-related harm.
About 21 percent of adults in Taranaki engage in hazardous drinking, compared to 17.4 percent nationally, he said.