Auckland’s new liquor policy approved after lengthy legal battle

Auckland's new liquor policy is set to bring significant changes after a prolonged legal battle, which included nearly a decade of appeals and court challenges. The Alcohol Regulatory and Licensing Authority (ARLA) recently approved the Auckland Council's Provisional Local Alcohol Policy (PLAP), which introduces stricter trading hours and a two-year freeze on new liquor licenses in certain areas.

Key points of the policy include limiting the sale of alcohol in bottle shops and supermarkets to 9 p.m., as opposed to the current 11 p.m. closing time.

This change aims to curb alcohol-related harm by reducing late-night alcohol access across the region.

The policy also imposes a two-year freeze on new liquor licenses in 23 priority areas, mainly in South and West Auckland, where communities have long advocated for stricter controls on the availability of alcohol.

Despite some compromises, such as the removal of local impact reports and earlier opening hours, the policy is seen as a significant step toward reducing alcohol-related harm in these communities.

This marks a major victory for local communities who have been fighting for tighter alcohol regulations