As of Monday, 16 September, Auckland’s local alcohol policy will impose a freeze on new off-licence liquor stores across 24 areas, including the city centre.

This new regulation, adopted unanimously by Auckland councillors on 29 August, aims to curb the proliferation of liquor stores in areas already heavily impacted by alcohol-related issues.

Councillor Josephine Bartley, chair of Auckland’s Regulatory and Safety Committee, highlighted the community's long-standing call for such measures.

“Communities have been crying out for change,” Bartley said. “They want to see better for their neighbourhoods, and they’ve had enough of new liquor stores opening up.”

Under the new policy, the District Licensing Committee (DLC) will now take into account the local alcohol policy when evaluating applications for new off-licences, which include liquor stores, bottle shops, and supermarkets selling alcohol.

The policy strongly recommends denying applications in the 24 designated areas due to their already high concentration of liquor stores and associated alcohol-related harm.

Rob Abbott, Principal Specialist Alcohol Licensing at Auckland Council, explained the stringent criteria for new licences in these areas.

“The DLC must consider the high number of existing bottle shops and the negative impact of alcohol on public health and safety.

There must be a very compelling reason for any new licence to be granted,” Abbott said.

The freeze will not affect existing stores within these areas.

They can continue operating, including during ownership transfers or licence renewals, as long as they adhere to the required conditions.

Outside the 24 areas, applications for new off-licences will face additional scrutiny.

The policy introduces a ‘rebuttable presumption’ making it more challenging to open new liquor stores in Auckland’s neighbourhood centres, which are typically areas with rows of shops.

Additionally, starting Monday, the DLC will also review applications for new alcohol licences and renewals.

New conditions may be imposed, including requirements for incident registers, customer transport information, CCTV, and staff training to enhance safety and responsible service.

This policy marks a significant step towards creating safer and healthier environments across Auckland.