Have your say – changes to Dunedin's permanent alcohol ban areas

The Dunedin City Council (DCC) invites residents and ratepayers to have their say on proposed changes to the Alcohol (Control of Alcohol in Public Places) Bylaw, with consultation opening today and submissions closing at 5pm on Friday 23 October 2026.

Following community and stakeholder engagement earlier this year, the draft bylaw proposes:

Introducing a permanent alcohol ban in the Logan Park sports hub area.
Retaining the existing permanent alcohol ban in central Dunedin.

Reviews like this are an important opportunity to check whether existing alcohol ban areas remain appropriate and whether proposed changes have community support

- Paul Henderson, General Manager Corporate and Regulatory Services, Dunedin City Council

Under the Local Government Act 2002, councils can introduce alcohol control bylaws to help address alcohol-related crime or disorder in public places. Dunedin's bylaw applies to specified alcohol ban areas and generally prohibits people from bringing, possessing or consuming alcohol in those areas. Existing exemptions mean people can still transport unopened alcohol through alcohol ban areas, such as taking purchases home from licensed premises or transporting drinks to private property.

The Logan Park sports hub area currently has temporary alcohol bans regularly put in place during events at Forsyth Barr Stadium and surrounding facilities. The draft bylaw proposes replacing these recurring temporary bans with a permanent alcohol ban area.

The DCC encourages the community to share their views on the proposed changes.

We want to hear what people think before any final decisions are made. People can make a written submission, and choose to speak to their submission at a hearing

- MR HENDERSON

After consultation closes, the Council will consider submissions, evidence of alcohol-related harm, and other information gathered through the review before making any final decisions on the bylaw.

Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 23 October 2026.

To find out more or make a submission, visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/consultation

Back with a bang: Fireworks and rock for NYE celebrations

Still didn't find what you were looking for?