18 Mar 2010

Vote due on proposed Wellington liquor ban

11:59 am on 18 March 2010

A Wellington City councillor has described proposed city-wide round the clock liquor ban as a 'band aid' response to Wellington's binge drinking culture.

The council is due to vote on Thursday afternoon on whether to seek public consultation on the ban.

Of the 15 councillors, 14 have previously voted for the issue to be put out for public submissions.

Councillor Iona Pannett says the proposed bylaw would have the single impact of criminalising law abiding people, while failing to deal with actual binge drinkers.

She says other measures could be implemented to deal with the problem, including stricter licensing hours, education, and increased policing in problem areas.

If the council votes in favour, the proposal will go out for consultation on 30 March and people will have until 5 May to provide feedback.