An analysis of alcohol licence applications and outcomes in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland

Author:

National Public Health Service - Northern Region | Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora

Source:

National Public Health Service - Northern Region | Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora

Publication date:

2024

Topics:

People

An analysis of alcohol licence applications and outcomes in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland - 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2023

Executive summary

Background

Our previous analysis of alcohol licence applications from 2014 to 2018 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland showed that only 1% of applications were opposed and proceeded to a District Licensing Committee (DLC) hearing. Most of these applications (86%) were granted by the DLCs. Communities have found it challenging to have their voices heard in the alcohol licensing process. The Covid-19 pandemic also led to reprioritisation of resources by the statutory agencies, Police and Public Health, away from alcohol licensing.

Aims

To describe the outcomes of alcohol licence applications within Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland from 2018 to 2023, according to parties opposed (statutory agency, community members and local boards).

Methods

We obtained data on the number and outcomes of alcohol licence applications processed by the Auckland DLCs from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2023. We described the proportion of licences granted after a DLC hearing by year, licence type and parties opposed to the licence.

Findings

Of the 9,490 applications for an alcohol licence, only 1% proceeded to a DLC Of the 9,490 applications for an alcohol licence, only 1% proceeded to a DLC hearing and most of these were granted (76%). The proportion of applications granted has declined since 2021.

Communities objected to more alcohol licence applications than the statutory agencies did. However, applicants that had only community objections were more likely to be granted than those opposed by any statutory agency. The greater the number of agencies opposed to a licence, the less likely applications were granted.

Implications

Our findings suggest that while communities have been proactive in the alcohol licensing process, a large proportion of applications were granted. Licence applications were more likely to be declined by the DLCs when both communities and the statutory agencies were opposed. This highlights the need for agencies to reflect community concerns in the licensing process and for communities to be better supported in their objections.

New changes to the legislation make it easier for communities to object to alcohol licence applications. This may also facilitate the work of organisations, such as local boards, to amplify community voices in alcohol licensing.