The consumption of alcohol is banned in Whakatāne's central business area and some areas on certain days and hours of the week.
The ban prohibits the consumption of liquor in, the bringing of liquor into, and the possession of liquor in the central business district and other areas.
Eastern Bay of Plenty Local Alcohol Policy - (PDF, 1 MB)
Permanent restrictions
The Whakatāne central business district, Hillcrest Road (including the Seaview Road car park), the Heads and River Edge Park, Kopeopeo business district, Otarawairere, Kohi Point Scenic Reserve, Tāneatua, Murupara, Te Teko and Edgecumbe are subject to permanent restrictions at these times:
- 12 noon Thursday to 3 am Monday
Christmas / New Year restrictions
There is a liquor ban during the Christmas/New Year Period, from midday 24 December to midday 26 December, and from midday 31 December to 3 am 1 January, in all areas stated above.
Liquor ban area map
Exemptions to liquor bans
- Those public spaces where licensed premises are permitted and are clearly defined by the placement of tables and chairs outside
- People carrying unopened liquor from outside the restriction area to licensed premises
- People who buy liquor from an off-licence, as long as it’s removed from the area promptly and unopened
- Residents and their guests carrying unopened liquor to and from their residences within the restriction area
More information
For more information, email the Liquor Licensing Inspector or call 07 306 0500.