Alcohol in public

Find out where you can and can't drink in public in Lower Hutt.

To reduce alcohol-related harm, large areas of Lower Hutt are designated alcohol-free zones. This includes a number of our parks and gardens, the CBD, and suburban shopping centres across the city. There is also a 9pm - 5am ban on consuming alcohol in public areas across the city.

This doesn't apply to licensed premises or their outdoor areas, or to people carrying unopened alcohol containers from licensed premises to areas outside the alcohol free zone or to a private property.

See the Alcohol in public places bylaw or the maps below with  corresponding times the alcohol ban is in place for each alcohol-free zone.

Why we want to reduce drinking in Lower Hutt

Research has found that alcohol is a factor in the majority of arrests made for disorder, violence and sexual offending in the city.

To manage public consumption of alcohol, we work with Police, Regional Public Health, ACC, Upper Hutt City Council, ALAC, the Fire Service and the Hospitality Association. This involves creating and policing liquor ban areas, event management, dealing with enforcement and licensing issues, alcohol accords and education activities.

The penalty for breaching an alcohol ban is an infringement fee of $250.

Permission to hold an event in an alcohol-free zone

If you want permission to hold an event where a limited amount of alcohol will be consumed in a public place, contact us.

If you are holding an event where alcohol is being sold, you will need to apply for a special licence. Functions that don't meet the criteria for a special licence must be alcohol free. There are no exceptions.

Apply for a special licence

Contact details

T: 04 570 6666