Christchurch City Council has adopted a new set of rules aimed at reducing alcohol-related harm, particularly in vulnerable areas.

The Local Alcohol Policy (LAP), approved by the Mayor and councillors, will take effect across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula and introduces three major changes.

From October, all off-licence retailers, including supermarkets and bottle stores, must stop selling alcohol by 9pm.

From August, a freeze will be placed on new off-licences opening in high-deprivation communities.

Also from August, new bottle stores will be banned from setting up near addiction treatment and rehabilitation centres, secondary and primary schools, the University of Canterbury, and the Christchurch Bus Interchange.

Mayor Phil Mauger said the policy was shaped by months of consultation with health professionals, residents, retailers and hospitality representatives.

“All through this process, we’ve consistently heard that the wider community wants a Local Alcohol Policy that’s fair as well as effective,” Mauger said.

“Our residents always come first, and the main purpose of the Local Alcohol Policy is to address the harm caused by alcohol in our community. However, we want to do this while ensuring Christchurch remains a lively and thriving city.

“The result is a policy that focuses mainly on making alcohol less available at certain times and in certain areas, particularly for those considered more vulnerable, where easy access to alcohol can have a larger impact on the community.”

Under national legislation, councils are allowed to create Local Alcohol Policies to determine the number, location, and opening hours of licenced premises. LAPs must be reviewed within six years of being adopted.