Horowhenua District Council is seeking feedback on the proposed draft Local Alcohol Policy (LAP) 2026.
The Local Alcohol Policy helps guide decisions about alcohol licences in Horowhenua, including trading hours, one-way-door restrictions, the location of licensed premises and licence conditions.
Council reviews its Local Alcohol Policy every six years to make sure it continues to meet the needs of our community.
Following this review, Council proposes to largely retain the existing policy approach, with clearer wording and an updated format, alongside two proposed changes:
- Location-related exceptions: Clarifying the circumstances in which exceptions to the existing 100-metre restrictions around sensitive locations may be considered, including for existing and previously licensed premises.
- Remote alcohol sales and delivery: Introducing proposed measures relating to Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) payment options in bottle stores and mandatory age checks upon the purchase and delivery of alcohol.
The draft policy also updates the format and wording, removes the expired bottle-store cap, and removes historical references that no longer apply.
The Statement of Proposal, draft Local Alcohol Policy and information on how to make a submission are available on Let's Kōrero and at Council service centres.
Consultation closes at 4pm on Friday 4 December 2026.
The current Local Alcohol Policy will remain in effect while the review is completed.