Dealing with the drink

A one-way door system for bars is the latest plan to curb problem drinking and drunkenness, Katie Chapman reports.

CONCERN ABOUT Wellington’s drinking culture could lead to the introduction of a oneway- door system for bars, as councils around the country start creating alcohol policies.

New survey results from Wellington City Council show nearly 90 per cent of residents think excessive drinking negatively affects individuals and families in Wellington, and more than half support the idea of a one-waydoor policy, by which, after a set time, no new patrons are allowed to enter bars.

The survey is part of the council’s work to create an alcohol policy for the capital after government reform allowed councils to set rules about the number, location and conditions for places that sell alcohol.

Other cities in New Zealand are also developing policies. Auckland Council is considering a one-way door system, and Christchurch City Council is planning to start creating a policy.

The survey of 1000 Wellington residents found there was a high level of concern about drinking in the city and 77 per cent said there were high levels of drunkenness on the streets at weekends.

People identified individuals and family as having the most responsibility in curbing alcohol- related harm, but restrictions on licensed premises were also highlighted as important.

Time restrictions were supported by 67 per cent of people and 52 per cent agreed with introducing a one-way door policy.

Councillor Stephanie Cook, the social portfolio leader, said a oneway door policy was definitely among ideas the council would consider.

A set closing time was impractical, as too many people would spill on to the streets at one time, but a one-way door could help stagger closings, she said.

‘‘I’m happy to investigate anything that makes Courtenay Place a place I want to go to.’’

But Wellington Restaurant Association president Mike Egan was doubtful a one-way door or time restrictions would work.

They were effective in smaller centres, but would be more difficult in places such as Wellington. ‘‘It doesn’t really go with the big city feel . . . In a grown-up city, it would be quite problematic.’’

Any alcohol policy needed to focus on changing people’s attitudes to alcohol over time, similar

I’m happy to investigate anything that makes Courtenay Place a place I want to go.

Councillor Stephanie Cook

to the way drink-driving attitudes had changed through better education and awareness, he said.

‘‘ It just takes a long time to slowly change people’s ideas, and it will happen.’’

Cook said the survey would be used to develop an alcohol strategy for the city, which would guide the development of the local alcohol policy.

The strategy also allowed the council to look at areas beyond the scope of the local alcohol policy.

‘‘To a certain extent we all have to individually look at the situation and go, well, what are we as a society doing?’’

Under the reform bill, which passed in December, councils can develop local alcohol policies which help determine where and how licensed premises operate. These could come into force early next year. Policies cannot be publicly notified until after December 18.

Councils that do not develop policies will instead become subject to the default position set by the reform bill.

Auckland Council has also started work on a policy and is considering including a one-way door system. Councillor George Wood said there was a ‘‘huge programme of work’’ to create a policy for Auckland.

‘‘But we have already done a lot of work to prepare for this and are committed to getting the new rules in place in a timely manner.’’

Christchurch’s council is due to meet on Thursday to develop a timeline for development of its policy. Councillors are expected to decide whether they are happy to start the process even though it cannot be finished until after October’s local body election.

‘‘It is not usual process for a council to develop a policy and not complete the process, but we have to choose to start or do nothing until 2014,’’ planning committee chairwoman Sue Wells said.