Local Alcohol Policy Consultation 2026

This consultation is the statutory review of the Local Alcohol Policy (LAP). The LAP provides for the local implementation of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, which aims to reduce unsafe alcohol consumption and associated harm. Public consultation on the proposed Local Alcohol Policy will run from 5pm 31 August 2026 to 5pm 2 October 2026.

Public Notice of Proposal to Adopt a Local Alcohol Policy

Kaikōura District Council is inviting the community to have their say on a proposed Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) through a Special Consultative Procedure under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 and the Local Government Act 2002. The Local Alcohol Policy establishes local alcohol licensing settings and seeks to support the safe and responsible sale, supply and consumption of alcohol while minimising alcohol-related harm.

The draft policy proposes retaining current maximum trading hours for licensed premises, introducing location restrictions for new licences near sensitive community facilities, retaining the current discretionary approach to one-way door restrictions, and strengthening requirements for larger special licence events.

The proposed policy would:

• Retain existing maximum trading hours for on-licences and off-licences.
• Restrict new licensed premises from establishing within 100 metres of schools, marae, places of worship, social service providers, alcohol and drug treatment facilities, and other sensitive community facilities, except where the proposed premises are located within the Commercial Zone (COMZ).
• Require Alcohol Management Plans and certified crowd control officers for special licence events with 400 attendees or more.
• Retain the current discretionary approach to one-way door restrictions.

Adoption of the Local Alcohol Policy does not automatically change existing licences. Existing licensed premises would continue to operate under their current licences, with the policy primarily applying to new licence applications and future licence renewals as provided for under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.

Invitation for Submissions

Public consultation on the proposed Local Alcohol Policy will run from 31 August 2026 to 2 October 2026. Full details, including the Statement of Proposal and Draft Local Alcohol Policy are available at the bottom of this page.

This is your opportunity to help shape how alcohol licensing is managed in Kaikōura District.

Council welcomes feedback from residents, businesses, licence holders, community organisations, mana whenua, and all interested parties. You can provide your feedback by:

• Sending a written submission to: Kaikōura District Council, PO Box 6, Kaikōura.
• Emailing: submissions@kaikoura.govt.nz.
• Completing the online submission form at the bottom of this page.

Submissions must be received by 5.00pm on Friday 2 October 2026. Please indicate whether you wish to be heard by Council in support of your submission. Public hearings are scheduled to take place in the Council Chambers on 21 October 2026. Council will consider all submissions before making a final decision on the Local Alcohol Policy.