FAQs

An LAP helps manage where and when alcohol can be sold, aiming to reduce harm and promote responsible drinking. It influences the types of licences granted and sets conditions for businesses.

Priority areas are specific locations identified as having higher instances of alcohol-related harm. They have been determined by meeting two out of the three key pieces of data that have a strong correlation to alcohol harm. 

• High density of alcohol licences
• Socioeconomic deprivation levels between 8-10
• Evidence of high rates of victimisations from police data (these are higher than the rest of Porirua and are adjusted for population).

Sensitive sites are places with populations more vulnerable to alcohol-related harm, such as children and those in treatment for addiction. The community can provide input on which sites to consider during the formal consultation period.

Off-licences are only permitted to sell alcohol between 9 am and 9 pm across the city.

In the policy there is a presumption that new off-licenses will not be issued for any premises in a priority area. This means applications for new off-licences within the priority areas should generally be refused, unless the DLC or ARLA is satisfied by the information made available as part of an application.

Discretionary conditions are specific rules that can be applied to individual off-licence applications to address concerns or risks associated with alcohol sale in that area.