Local Alcohol Policy

Local Alcohol Policies help shape when, where, and how alcohol can be sold within a community. Learn how these policies work and how communities can have a say in decisions that affect alcohol availability in their area.

While alcohol licensing is guided by national legislation, there is opportunity for community needs and priorities to influence how alcohol is managed within their area.

One of the ways this happens is through a Local Alcohol Policy, or an LAP.

What’s a Local Alcohol Policy?

A Local Alcohol Policy, or LAP, is a policy developed by local councils that sets additional rules around alcohol availability within their council area.

While the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act provides the national framework for alcohol regulation, many decisions are made locally.

Every community is different. The challenges faced by communities in urban centres like Auckland or Wellington will likely be different to those experienced by rural towns. An LAP provides a way for councils to reflect these local realities in alcohol licensing decisions.

What can a LAP include?

LAPs can address a range of issues relating to alcohol availability, including:

Trading hours for licensed premises
The location of alcohol outlets
The concentration or density of outlets in particular areas
Restrictions around sensitive sites like schools, parks, places of worship, or marae
Areas where new alcohol outlets are limited

The exact contents of an LAP vary between council areas depending on local needs, priorities, and evidence of alcohol-related harm.

Why do LAPs matter?

LAPs play a key role in shaping the environments we live, work, and socialise in. Think of an LAP as an additional layer of local decision-making. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act provides the first rules of alcohol regulation, and LAPs provide an additional decision-making tool that addresses issues that may not be fully addressed in the Act alone.

We know that when alcohol is more readily available, people tend to drink more and experience more alcohol-related harm. Licensing decisions about where alcohol can be sold, how many outlets can operate within a given area, and how long they’re open for can have significant impacts on community wellbeing.

A strong LAP helps councils to take a proactive approach to reducing alcohol-related harm and contribute to creating healthier communities.

How LAPs are developed

Each Council has the opportunity to develop their own Local Alcohol Policy.

The Council will draft an LAP based on their understanding and existing knowledge of the community. They are then required to seek public consultation on the LAP – giving residents, hapū, community organisations, businesses, and health services an opportunity to share their perspectives.

Community feedback plays a crucial role in helping councils understand local realities and identify priorities that should be reflected in LAPs.

How do LAPs influence licensing decisions?

Once an LAP has been adopted, it becomes an important tool when alcohol licence applications are assessed.

When a business applies for a licence, decision-makers must consider the requirements of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act as well as any relevant provisions within the LAP.

Local Alcohol Policies are a key opportunity for communities to influence alcohol availability in their area. By participating in consultation processes, communities can ensure that local priorities and aspirations are reflected in alcohol licensing decisions.

LAPs allow communities to influence the local rules that shape alcohol availability within a given council area.

Find your council

Search for your council

Tap a region to filter the list. Your selected region is highlighted in dark green.

Northland

Far North District Council Kerikeri · Kaitāia · Paihia

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Provisional LAP — not yet final — view
Council website: fndc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: DLG@fndc.govt.nz
Postal address: Memorial Avenue, Kaikohe 0405, New Zealand

Whangārei District Council Whangārei · Hikurangi · Waipū

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: wdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: mailroom@wdc.govt.nz
Postal address: 9 Rust Avenue, Whangārei 0110, New Zealand

Kaipara District Council Dargaville · Mangawhai · Maungatūroto

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: kaipara.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: kdclicensing@kaipara.govt.nz
Postal address: 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai 0505, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Auckland

Auckland Council Auckland · Manukau · Takapuna

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: alcoholobjections@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Postal address: 135 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Waikato

Thames-Coromandel District Council Thames · Whitianga · Whangamatā

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: tcdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz
Postal address: Private Bag 1001, Thames, 3540, New Zealand

Hauraki District Council Paeroa · Ngatea · Waihī

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: hauraki-dc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@hauraki-dc.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 17, Paeroa 3600, New Zealand

Waikato District Council Ngāruawāhia · Huntly · Raglan

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: waikatodistrict.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: css@waidc.govt.nz
Postal address: 7 Bow Street, Raglan 3225, New Zealand

Matamata-Piako District Council Matamata · Morrinsville · Te Aroha

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: mpdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@mpdc.govt.nz
Postal address: Tainui Street, Matamata 3400, New Zealand

Hamilton City Council Hamilton · Rototuna · Chartwell

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: hamilton.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: Objection form
Postal address: Cobham Drive, Hillcrest, Hamilton 3216, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Ōtorohanga District Council Ōtorohanga

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: otodc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@otodc.govt.nz
Postal address: 17 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga 3900, New Zealand

South Waikato District Council Tokoroa · Putāruru · Tīrau

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: southwaikato.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@southwaikato.govt.nz
Postal address: Private Bag 7, Tokoroa 3444, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Waitomo District Council Te Kūiti · Waitomo

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Provisional LAP — not yet final — view
Council website: waitomo.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@waitomo.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 404, Te Kūiti 3941, New Zealand

Taupō District Council Taupō · Tūrangi · Mangakino

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: taupodc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@taupo.govt.nz
Postal address: Private Bag 2005, Taupō 3352, New Zealand.

How to object to a licence application →

Waipā District Council Cambridge · Te Awamutu · Kihikihi

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: waipadc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@waipadc.govt.nz
Postal address: Private Bag 2402, Te Awamutu 3840, New Zealand

Bay of Plenty

Kawerau District Council Kawerau

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: kaweraudc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@kaweraudc.govt.nz
Postal address: 2 Ranfurly Court, Kawerau 3127, New Zealand

Ōpōtiki District Council Ōpōtiki

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: odc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@odc.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 44, Ōpōtiki 3162, New Zealand

Rotorua Lakes Council Rotorua · Ngongotahā · Lynmore

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: rotorualakescouncil.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: alcohol@rotorualc.nz
Postal address: 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand

Tauranga City Council Tauranga · Mount Maunganui · Papamoa

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: tauranga.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: environmental@tauranga.govt.nz
Postal address: Private Bag 12022, Tauranga 3143, New Zealand

Western Bay of Plenty District Council Katikati · Te Puke · Ōmokoroa

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: westernbay.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: customerservice@westernbay.govt.nz
Postal address: 1484 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand

Whakatāne District Council Whakatāne · Ōhope · Edgecumbe

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: whakatane.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: liquorlicensing@whakatane.govt.nz
Postal address: 14 Commerce Street, Whakatāne 3120, New Zealand

Gisborne

Gisborne District Council Gisborne · Kaiti · Ruatōria

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: gdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: liquorlicensing@gdc.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 747, Gisborne 4010, New Zealand

Hawke's Bay

Wairoa District Council Wairoa · Mahia

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: wairoadc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: council@wairoadc.govt.nz
Postal address: Wairoa District Council Queen Street, Wairoa, New Zealand

Hastings District Council Hastings · Flaxmere · Havelock North

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: hastingsdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: licensing@hdc.govt.nz
Postal address: 207 Lyndon Road East, Hastings 4122, New Zealand

Napier City Council Napier · Taradale · Ahuriri

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: napier.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: environmentalsolutions@napier.govt.nz
Postal address: 215 Hastings Street, Napier South, Napier 4110, New Zealand

Central Hawke's Bay District Council Waipukurau · Waipāwa

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: chbdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: customerservices@chbdc.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 127, 28-32 Ruataniwha St, Waipawa 4240, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Taranaki

New Plymouth District Council New Plymouth · Waitara · Inglewood

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: npdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
Postal address: 84 Liardet Street, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand

Stratford District Council Stratford

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: stratford.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: stratforddc@stratford.govt.nz
Postal address: 63 Miranda Street, Stratford 4332, New Zealand

South Taranaki District Council Hāwera · Eltham · Pātea

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: southtaranaki.com

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: contact@stdc.govt.nz
Postal address: 105 Albion Street, Hāwera 4610, New Zealand

Manawatū-Whanganui

Ruapehu District Council Taumarunui · Ōhakune · Raetihi

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: ruapehudc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@ruapehudc.govt.nz
Postal address: 37 Ayr Street, Ohakune 4625, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Whanganui District Council Whanganui · Castlecliff · Aramoho

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: whanganui.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: wdc@whanganui.govt.nz
Postal address: 101 Guyton Street, Whanganui 4500, New Zealand

Rangitikei District Council Marton · Bulls · Taihape

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: rangitikei.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@rangitikei.govt.nz
Postal address: 90 Hautapu Street, Taihape 4720, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Manawatū District Council Feilding · Sanson

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: mdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: public@mdc.govt.nz
Postal address: 135 Manchester Street, Feilding 4702, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Palmerston North City Council Palmerston North · Ashhurst · Awapuni

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: pncc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@pncc.govt.nz
Postal address: 32 The Square, Palmerston North Central, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Tararua District Council Dannevirke · Pahiatua · Woodville

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: tararuadc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: customerservices@tararuadc.govt.nz
Postal address: 45 Vogel Street, Woodville 4920, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Horowhenua District Council Levin · Foxton · Shannon

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: horowhenua.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: enquiries@horowhenua.govt.nz
Postal address: 126 Oxford Street, Levin, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Wellington

Kapiti Coast District Council Paraparaumu · Waikanae · Ōtaki

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: kapiticoast.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: kapiti.council@kapiticoast.govt.nz
Postal address: 175 Rimu Road, Paraparaumu 5032, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Porirua City Council Porirua · Titahi Bay · Whitby

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: poriruacity.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: enquiries@poriruacity.govt.nz
Postal address: 16 Cobham Court, Porirua City Centre, Porirua 5022, New Zealand

Upper Hutt City Council Upper Hutt · Trentham · Pinehaven

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: upperhuttcity.com

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: askus@uhcc.govt.nz
Postal address: 842 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt Central, Upper Hutt 5018, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Hutt City Council Lower Hutt · Petone · Wainuiomata

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: huttcity.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: sol@huttcity.govt.nz
Postal address: 30 Laings Road, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5010, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Wellington City Council Wellington · Karori · Newtown

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: wcc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: licensing@wcc.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 2199 Wellington 6140 New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Masterton District Council Masterton

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: mstn.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: mdc@mstn.govt.nz
Postal address: 161 Queen Street, Masterton 5810, New Zealand

Carterton District Council Carterton

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: cdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@cdc.govt.nz
Postal address: 28 Holloway Street, Carterton 5713, New Zealand

South Wairarapa District Council Greytown · Featherston · Martinborough

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: swdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: enquiries@swdc.govt.nz
Postal address: 19 Kitchener Street, Martinborough 5711, New Zealand

Tasman

Tasman District Council Richmond · Motueka · Tākaka

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: tasman.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: dlc@tasman.govt.nz
Postal address: 7 Hickmott Place, Motueka 7120, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Nelson

Nelson City Council Nelson · Stoke · Tāhunanui

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: environmental.health@ncc.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 645 Nelson 7040 New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Marlborough

Marlborough District Council Blenheim · Picton · Renwick

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: marlborough.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: alcohol@marlborough.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240, New Zealand

West Coast

Buller District Council Westport · Reefton · Karamea

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: bullerdc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@bdc.govt.nz
Postal address: 66 Broadway, Reefton 7830, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Grey District Council Greymouth · Rūnanga · Cobden

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: greydc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@greydc.govt.nz
Postal address: 105 Tainui Street, Greymouth 7805, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Westland District Council Hokitika · Haast

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: westlanddc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: wcddc@westlanddc.govt.nz
Postal address: Private Bag 704, Hokitika 7842, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Canterbury

Kaikoura District Council Kaikōura

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: kaikoura.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: council@kaikoura.govt.nz
Postal address: 96 West End, Kaikōura 7300, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Hurunui District Council Amberley · Hanmer Springs

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: hurunui.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: council@hurunui.govt.nz
Postal address: 39 Hall Street, Cheviot 7310, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Waimakariri District Council Rangiora · Kaiapoi · Oxford

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: waimakariri.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: district.licensing@wmk.govt.nz
Postal address: 45 Church Street, Rangiora, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Christchurch City Council Christchurch · Riccarton · Sumner

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: ccc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: dlc@ccc.govt.nz
Postal address: 78 Rue Lavaud, Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7520, New Zealand

Selwyn District Council Rolleston · Lincoln · Darfield

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: selwyn.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: districtlicensing@selwyn.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 90, Rolleston 7643, New Zealand

Ashburton District Council Ashburton · Methven · Rakaia

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: No Local Alcohol Policy
Council website: ashburtondc.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: info@adc.govt.nz
Postal address: PO Box 94, Ashburton 7740, New Zealand

How to object to a licence application →

Timaru District Council Timaru · Temuka · Geraldine

Policy & info

Local Alcohol Policy: Active LAP — view
Council website: timaru.govt.nz

What's open

Public notices: Current applications

How to object

Lodge an objection: districtlicensing@timdc.govt.nz
Postal address: Timaru District Council King George Place, Timaru Central, Timaru, New Zealand

Mackenzie District Council Twizel · Fairlie · Lake Tekapo

Policy & info