The NRAs response to Wellington City’s draft Local alcohol policy was discussed at the July monthly meeting.  It was noted that the proposed policy included three key points relevant to Newtown.  These were:

• the earlier closing for off licence liquor sales;
• the lower trigger for hearings on licence applications, and
• the midnight closing for local bars.

The first two were consistent with the NRAs earlier submission, and there was support for these.  There was some debate on the third.  Two concerns were raised.  The first was that earlier closing of the local bars might lead to a “midnight migration” downtown of people who had already been drinking when they might have been better left where they were.  The second was a concern at the possible impact on the merging performance and entertainment scene in Newtown.  The NRA Submission reflects this.