Auckland will soon see changes in alcohol regulation as the Auckland Council's new local alcohol policy comes into effect.

After nearly a decade of legal battles, Auckland's councillors voted unanimously today to adopt the policy, which will begin its rollout on 16 September 2024.

The policy introduces stricter rules for new off-licences in 23 suburbs and the central city, aiming to curb the number of alcohol outlets and reduce trading hours.

From 16 September, any application to open an off-licence in these areas is likely to be declined unless a high threshold is met.

Additional restrictions will take effect on 9 December, limiting alcohol sales in bottle shops and supermarkets across Tāmaki Makaurau to 9 pm, while bars and restaurants in the central city will be able to serve until 4 am.

Councillor Josephine Bartley, Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee, expressed that this policy is a victory for Auckland communities, who have long sought a say in alcohol availability in their neighbourhoods.

"We've been fighting for this on behalf of our communities for almost ten years. The reason local alcohol policies were brought in was to allow local people to have a say over where and when alcohol is available in their area," Bartley said.

The policy also has the backing of Auckland Council’s partner regulatory agencies.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Medical Officer of Health, Dr. June Leung, highlighted the importance of limiting alcohol availability to reduce harm, while Superintendent Scott Gemmell of the Police noted the significant role alcohol plays in crime and victimisation.

This policy marks the end of an eight-year legal struggle between the council and major supermarkets, culminating in a Supreme Court decision in 2023 that dismissed the supermarkets’ appeals.

The final approval was granted by the council’s governing body today, setting the stage for the new rules to take effect later this year.