Local Alcohol Policy Review 2025

Rotorua Lakes Council is reviewing its Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) 2019 and is proposing to make a number of changes. The consultation is open from Friday, 28 February to Monday, 31 March.

We want your feedback on these proposals to ensure our LAP balances the need to reduce alcohol-related harm in our community whilst simultaneously supporting business and a vibrant city.

Me pēhea te tuku kōrero mai

How you can have your say

Rotorua Lakes Council offers a range of options so you can provide feedback in a way that’s easiest for you:

• ✅ Fill out a survey: You can provide your feedback or upload a submission with the online survey.
• 📩 Email us: You can email a submission at letstalk@rotorualc.nz.
• 📝 Write to us: Send your feedback to Rotorua Lakes Council, DX Mailbox number (JX 10503), Rotorua 3046, New Zealand Attn: Local Alcohol Policy.
• 📞 Phone us: Call us on 07 348 4199 between 8am - 5pm, Monday to Friday.

What is a Local Alcohol Policy (LAP)?

A Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) is a set of decisions made by a local authority, in consultation with its community, about the sale and supply of alcohol in its area. Specifically, a LAP can set rules on when, where and how alcohol is sold. If a council has a LAP licensing bodies must consider it when making decisions about alcohol licensing applications. A well-designed LAP can play a significant role in reducing alcohol-related harm, while promoting safe and responsible drinking practices across the community.

To support this review Council has developed a comprehensive evidence-based research report; held two workshops with Elected Members, liaised with key stakeholders including: NZ police and Medical Officer of Health, and held a two-week long community survey on alcohol use and impact in Rotorua.

Proposed changes

As a result of this review, Council is proposing to make changes to its LAP to ensure it remains effective, these are:

• Temporary freeze for 3 years on new off-licences opening. Following this there will be a more robust process to open a new store.
• Reducing off-licence operating hours to 7am to 9pm.
• Reducing on-licence operating hours in the inner city to 8am to 2am (the following morning).
• Requiring new off-licence’s to engage with community sites and facilities like hospitals and places of worship prior to application.
• Adding further conditions to off-licences, including stopping external advertisement of alcohol on the shop front.
• The consultation also seeks feedback on whether further conditions for on-licences, club licences and special licences should be added

Definitions

• Off-licences allow for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption elsewhere. Common examples include: bottle stores and supermarkets.
• On-licences allow for the sale and supply of alcohol for consumption on site. Common examples include: cafes, bars and restaurants.
• Club-licences allow for the sale and supply of alcohol on site at a club for authorised members or guests. Common examples include: sports club.
• Special licences allow for the sale and supply of alcohol at events or occasions that are outside a licensee’s normal operating hours.