Three ways of tackling alcohol-related issues in the community are now out for feedback, with the Council proposing its Draft Local Alcohol Policy.

Any council can develop its own LAP in consultation with the local community. An LAP can set the number, location, and opening hours of licenced premises, such as bars, cafés and restaurants, supermarkets and bottle stores. These rules can apply across either the whole city and district or only in identified local areas.

Christchurch’s Draft LAP has been approved for consultation, and is now out for feedback until midnight on Sunday 18 May 2025. Have your say here.

The three proposals are:

• All off-licence retailers must stop selling alcohol at 9pm daily. This includes bottle stores and supermarkets.
• A freeze on new off-licences in high-deprivation communities.
• Restricting new bottle stores from setting up near addiction treatment/rehabilitation centres, secondary schools and primary schools.

Once the Council has considered the views of the community and stakeholders, heard those who wish to speak to their submissions, and considered the staff report, they'll decide whether to adopt the Draft LAP. The process is expected to be completed before the local elections in October 2025. Once a Local Alcohol Policy is adopted, it must be reviewed every six years.