New Zealand / Regional

Appeals filed against alcohol policy change

11:27 am on 1 August 2015

The Auckland Council says eight appeals have been filed against its local alcohol policy.

The council voted in May to move ahead with setting its own rules, which include cutting back the hours supermarkets can sell alcohol, and making bars and clubs close by 4am.

The most significant changes is that off-licences and supermarkets will be allowed to sell alcohol only between 9am and 9m, as opposed to the current 7am to 11pm period.

The council will now have to wait for the Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority to review each appeal.

If the appeals are dismissed, the policy can be adopted.