The Local Alcohol Policy 2024 came into effect on 21 May 2025. See the policy on our website

Council's decision 8 May 2025

The Hearings Panel considered all the submissions on 29 April 2025 and further deliberated the feasibility of the available options. The Panel presented their recommendations to Council on 8 May 2025.

Following careful consideration of the submissions received, recommendations from the Panel, and available evidence, Council has resolved to adopt Option 2 under the revised Local Alcohol Policy.

Summary of Councils decision

Council’s final decision of adopting Option 2 provides exemption to new licence applications within the central business district (CBD) and enables the District Licensing Committee (DLC) to consider exemptions outside the CBD.

This means that the DLC will continue to assess every licence application on its merits, including proximity to sensitive sites and potential community impact.

Why Option 2 was adopted

Council carefully balanced the need to protect community wellbeing, in line with section 78(2) of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012, with Council’s strategic objective to revitalise the CBD.

Council ultimately weighed broader factors, including the need for economic revitalization of the CBD, the changing regional context since the Local Alcohol Policy’s adoption in 2018, and the limitations of the LAP in addressing complex health issues like alcohol addiction.

During the 8 May Sustainable Tairawhiti Meeting, several Councillors acknowledged the public concern, particularly from iwi and Māori communities, and expressed compassion for lived experiences of alcohol harm. However, the majority believed that economic development and harm minimisation could co-exist, and that other public health tools are better suited to address addiction-related concerns.

This decision reflects Council’s commitment to a balanced, future-focused approach that supports both public wellbeing and the vitality of the city.

The next full review of the policy is expected in 2030.

Thanks for your feedback

We consulted on the options from 28 February to 28 March.

• 207 submissions were received - 137 in support of option 1 and 69 in support of option 2, one submitter was unsure.
• 9 submitters spoke at the hearing on 29 April.
• the hearing panel deliberated on the options following the hearing.

The Local Alcohol Policy (sensitive sites) adoption report goes to Council on 8 May 2025.

Consultation to amend the sensitive sites provision in the Local Alcohol Policy

Gisborne District Council proposes to amend the sensitive sites provision in its Local Alcohol Policy 2024 (LAP). This provision manages the proximity between businesses licensed to sell alcohol and sensitive sites.

Sensitive sites are defined under the LAP as educational facilities, marae, spiritual facilities and recreational facilities.

Summary of the proposed changes

We propose to amend the sensitive site provisions in our Local Alcohol Policy 2024, options being considered are:

Option 1 - Status Quo. Keep the current sensitive site provisions but improve readability

This option means no changes to Clause 3.1.1 and 3.1.2, which relate to sensitive sites and minor changes to improve the readability of Clause 3.1.3 (the definition of sensitive sites).

Option 2 - Change the sensitive site provisions

This option includes changes to the sensitive site provisions to:

• Exempt all new licence applications within the CBD area from complying with Clause 3.1.1 (the sensitive sites policy for on-licences).
• Enable the District Licensing Committee (DLC) to consider exemptions to Clause 3.1.1 for any new licence applications for premises outside the CBD.
• Makes minor wording improvements for Clause 3.1.3 (the definition of sensitive sites).

For more detail about the proposed changes, read the Statement of Proposal