Māori wardens say changes to Auckland’s liquor store hours are a first step in healing from alcohol abuse

Health advocates praise Auckland's new policy, aiming to curb alcohol-related harm.

featured-image

Auckland’s new local alcohol policy aims to reduce alcohol availability, with stricter rules and reduced trading hours. Health advocates and community leaders have welcomed the changes, citing potential reductions in alcohol-related crime and harm. The policy follows a Supreme Court victory, enabling implementation after nearly a decade of legal battles.

Auckland is taking decisive action to address alcohol harm with a new local alcohol policy aimed at reducing its availability in the city. After nearly a decade of legal battles, Auckland Council’s policy is already reshaping how and when alcohol can be sold, with tighter restrictions rolled out in two stages. As of September 16, new off licences, including bottle shops and supermarkets, face stricter rules when applying to open in 23 suburbs, including Ōtara, Manurewa, Avondale, and Papakura.



These areas were targeted because of high levels of alcohol-related crime and harm. From yesterday, trading hours for all Auckland off-licence premises have been reduced, with sales ending at 9pm instead of 11pm..