Liquor liaison group to meet

The Ruapehu District Council is encouraging the hospitality industry to attend its liquor liaison group meeting being held in Ohakune next Thursday.

Mohammed Ishrar, the council's senior environmental health officer, said the meeting was important for anyone involved in the sale or management of alcohol in the Ruapehu district.

"Licensees, managers, business owners, employees, or any other persons involved with liquor should come to the meeting," Mr Ishrar said. "The group provides a great opportunity to keep in touch with local agencies such as the police, fire, health, and district licensing and to network with other businesses and people involved with the Ruapehu hospitality industry."

The meetings will cover the proposed Alcohol Reform Bill and provide a chance to ask questions of the agencies and discuss any issues or concerns they may have.

Because of the issues and community concerns around the sale and use of alcohol, the council's compliance unit was increasing the level of monitoring being undertaken of Ruapehu's hospitality providers.

"We want to ensure that everyone involved in the sale or management of alcohol clearly understands what their obligations and legal requirements are, so we can assist with reducing alcohol-related harm in our communities," he said.

The Ohakune meeting, in the council chambers, will run from 10-11.30am.