He did not want responsible people who consume “good recreational wine” to be targeted, but only those who “abuse this privilege”.

Foster said he was concerned that once there was a regulation, it would be enforceable by police.

He asked if there was another mechanism for a scenario in which those responsible would not abuse the “privilege” but others would.

Sustainable Future Council director Jo Noble said if councilors did not consider a regulation appropriate, the alternative was education and awareness.

This would mean that the police could only intervene if people caused trouble.

“Obviously the police are using their discretion,” Noble said.

No settlement would be at the top of their priorities unless a gathering of people causes a problem.

Foster said he would be happy to have a regulation (and a review of the regulation), with police using their discretion.

Councilors then adopted the review recommendation.

If the review is approved, the next steps will be a workshop for advisors, followed by prior iwi and stakeholder engagement.

A full consultation process is then required under the Local Government Act.

Adoption of the final regulations is planned for mid-2025.

****************************

The document submitted to councilors included preliminary research and findings for the review of the regulations, including the following police documents.

• The total number of alcohol-related incidents recorded in the district was 14,812 from September 2019 to June 2024.

• This represents an average of 2,950 incidents recorded between 2019 and 2024.

• Drinking and driving is also a significant concern, with 2,360 related incidents.

• 270 violations of alcohol bans were reported.

• The number of violations has been trending downward, peaking at 79 in 2019 but dropping to 27 in 2023.

*****************************

Summary of data for the downtown alcohol ban zone from September 2019 to June 2024:

• The city center alcohol ban zone accounts for 2,570 of the total incidents, or approximately 18% of all alcohol-related records district-wide.

• June saw the highest number of incidents (199), suggesting a potential correlation with specific events or seasonal factors.

• The winter months (May, June and July) saw relatively high numbers, ranging from 170 to 199 incidents.

• The last quarter of the year (October, November, December) shows a steady increase in the number of incidents, with an average of 175 cases reported each month.

This suggests a potential correlation with the Rhythm and Vines festival and New Year celebrations.

• The remaining months show a constant number of incidents, averaging 150 incidents per month.

• Alcohol ban violations: There is an inconsistency in the number of violations, but an overall upward trend from five in 2019 to 26 in 2023.