Masterton’s Alcohol Control Bylaw is due for review, and your feedback is sought on whether we continue to control alcohol in some of our public spaces.

Consultation is open from 3 November until 17 November 2025.

Councils have the power to make bylaws for alcohol control purposes under section 147 of the Local Government Act 2002 (LGA).

The Bylaw sets alcohol-free zones and time restrictions in certain public spaces across Masterton to help reduce alcohol-related harm, nuisance, crime, and disorder.

The New Zealand Police enforces the Bylaw using special powers under sections 169, 169A and 170 of the LGA.

The current Bylaw will lapse in December 2025 if a new Bylaw is not made. It is likely the level of crime and disorder experienced before the Bylaw will return if a Bylaw is not in place.

A full review of the Bylaw with extensive community consultation is planned for 2026, to ensure it continues to meet the needs of our community.

The current permanent alcohol-free zones will remain:

• Masterton Business District: at all times.
• Masterton Skate Park: at all times.
• Queen Elizabeth Park: from 9:00 pm to 7:00 am 7 days a week.

Please refer to the Consultation Document for details of the proposal, determinations, and Proposed Bylaw.

The Council proposes to:

• Retain the controls in the current Masterton Alcohol Control Bylaw with no changes to alcohol-free zones.
• Make minor updates that do not impact the implementation of the Bylaw. These updates include modernised maps and amendments to definitions to align with other legislative changes.
• Continue to monitor alcohol-related issues in public places through regular engagement with the Police, businesses, iwi, and community stakeholders.

• The Bylaw continues to work effectively and supports public safety. The current Bylaw, however, expires in mid-December 2025, and so we propose to make a new Bylaw.
• Police data indicate the current controls remain appropriate for reducing alcohol-related crime and disorder.
• While the Bylaw enables the Police to request people to stop consuming alcohol or leave areas where permanent or temporary alcohol-free zones are in place, these restrictions are considered fair, reasonable, and proportionate in the context of the purpose of the Bylaw.
• The Bylaw does not restrict the movement of people who are not in possession of alcohol or those consuming alcohol on private or licenced premises.
• Only minor amendments are proposed for 2025 because a comprehensive review is planned next year to ensure the Bylaw remains effective and fit-for-purpose going forward.

We welcome your feedback on the Bylaw. Please provide any feedback by 4pm, 17 November 2025, by:

• Email your feedback to the Policy Team at submissions@mstn.govt.nz putting “Alcohol Control Bylaw” in the subject line.
• Post it to Masterton District Council, Freepost 112477, PO Box 444, Masterton 5840, or drop it off to the Customer Service Centre 161 Queen Street, Masterton
• Phone the Policy Team on 06 370 6300 between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) and tell us what you think.