Abstract
Local Alcohol Policies (LAPs) are developed by councils, in consultation with communities, to guide where and when alcohol is sold. LAPs were intended to give communities more say in alcohol availability, and have the potential to reduce alcohol harm. However, early attempts were undermined by legal appeals from the alcohol industry. Legal developments in 2023 have reduced the risk of litigation, removing a significant barrier to developing and adopting stronger LAPs that better reflect community expectations.
This Briefing outlines the renewed opportunity for LAPs to reduce the availability of alcohol and the harms that this causes, particularly in more socio-economically deprived areas and Māori communities that are exposed to high-density alcohol environments.
Equitable harm reduction through a LAP depends on meaningful involvement of Māori that upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi responsibilities, comprehensive community involvement, real reductions in availability over broad areas and evaluation of outcomes. Further changes to legislation are needed to uphold LAPs and regulate online alcohol sale and delivery.