@brendacosteloe1 - "Pre-loading" is a massive problem. it probably means lots more underage drinking, and huge quantities consumed before the kids even get to town. This means that they spend less money in town and they are already too far gone before the night begins. I guess earlier closing times might close the gap between leaving your house to go into town and coming home again. I don't really see the value of bars staying open past 2am. The costs for everyone else are just too high.

@megan1 - So... could a new proposal be to close bars at 2am? How realistic is this? It sounds great - but there would be so much push-back from bar owners, the tourism sector who don't want Wellington described as 'dead at night' etc, would it ever get past Council? How about a voluntary thing - or a trial one night per month (like carless days - you're too young too remember those!) - or SOMETHING!

@brendacosteloe1 the assumption is that people will buy less if they stay open later. But potentially if closing time is earlier then people wont preload and will actually go out earlier and will spend more money for the times they are in town. The cost of police/crime/hospitals/vandalism/loss of productivity is a high cost to pay to give bar owners. They might appreciate serving less messy people too. Besides my point is, we want to celebrate businesses that want a thriving capital not vultures who prey on our youth. They may not win that argument.

@megan1 - good points! Sooo... are you going to make a new proposal in that little box to our right there... seems like a big step somehow! I'd support it.

What if bars were supported to sell a cheap, low alcohol drink? Everyone I know pre-games because buying drinks out is expensive. People are out in town for long periods of time. That means they get too drunk earlier to be at the right amount later on (in theory). This obviously doesn't work that well. But if I could spend $4 on a drink that was 3% (say sangria with extra orange juice) I would be likely to drink less beforehand because I'd know I could top up in town. This isn't discouraging drinking, it's about listening to your body and being more aware of how much you've had to drink. Or, what other ways could we encourage spreading alcohol consumption out over an evening?

Some great ideas going on in here! I want to encourage anyone who has a clear idea to click the "create a new proposal" button on the right and try it out!

Often times even if everyone doesn't agree the first time around, the process can help nut out the real issues and the group can work toward the best solution.

@meg I love that idea - it could be the "keep cool" drink! I wonder if a local micro brewery would be up to the task for designing something utterly delish and branded as something that kept you being cool (as opposed to behaving like a drunken dickhead!) and that it would be required to be served and promoted by all our licenced venues.... sounds like a proposal in the making!