Alcohol Control Bylaw 2016 increases alcohol ban areas

Published on 20 December 2016

20 December 2016

The Whanganui District Alcohol Control Bylaw 2016, adopted by the Council on December 13, aims to minimise alcohol-related harm and offences by controlling the consumption and possession of alcohol in specified public places.

The bylaw remains much the same as the previous bylaw, adopted in 2004, but with several additions to the alcohol ban area including the Kai Iwi beach area, Kowhai Park and specific times for Victoria Park.

The bylaw also allows Whanganui Police to prohibit people from possessing or consuming alcohol inside a vehicle within the alcohol ban area.

During public consultation on the proposed bylaw, 17 submissions were received, the majority supportive of the changes.

Mayor Hamish McDouall thanked the work of Safer Whanganui, community groups and the Whanganui Police for their work on the bylaw.

“The adoption of this bylaw helps to increase our district’s well-being and sends the message to the community that anti-social behaviour caused by alcohol is not acceptable.

“Whanganui is recognised by the World Health Organisation as an International Safe Community. We wouldn’t be achieving this status time and time again without the work of our community partners who contribute to decision making around issues like alcohol and work collaboratively to reduce the harm it can cause.”

Alcohol ban area

The central city alcohol ban, which has not changed in the Alcohol Bylaw 2016, applies 24/7 in all public areas including streets, service lanes, lanes and footpaths, car parks, parks and reserves within and including the following areas:

  • Whanganui City Bridge

  • Portal Street and Taylor Street, from Anzac Parade to Rees Street

  • Where the Durie Hill Steps meet Hipango Terrace, to Blyth Street and including the Durie Hill Tower

  • Whanganui Riverbank (along Taupo Quay)

  • Wilson Street

  • Bassett Street

  • Nelson Street

  • Castlecliff Branch Railway Line

  • London Street

  • Wicksteed Street

  • Cameron Terrace

  • Bell Street

  • Market Place

Additional areas included in the new bylaw include:

  • Kai Iwi Beach area from 3.00pm on December 31 to 3.00am on January 1 annually

  • Victoria Park between Peakes Road and Kent Road (near the cricket ground) from 9.00pm to 7.00am the following day

  • A 24/7 ban in Victoria Park from Peakes Road to Bens Place

  • Kowhai Park from 9.00pm to 7.00am the following day

A map of the alcohol ban areas can be found on our website. https://mangomap.com/wdc/maps/58309/whanganui-district-council-liquor-ban-areas#

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