22 May 2012

Tokotoko - Not much fizz in alcohol reforms

31/08/2011 8:48:00 a.m.

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THE government has said it will accept all 130 changes suggested for the Alcohol Reform Bill by the select committee. Some say it’s not enough to change our drinking culture. We asked Bruce Robertson, Chief Executive of the Hospitality Association, what the Bill will achieve.
Regrettably the government is highly unlikely to achieve its objective of reducing the harm from alcohol through the Alcohol Law Reform Bill. The Bill fiddles with a new licensing system and applies greater penalties to those that supply alcohol and those that serve it – that in itself will do little to change our drinking culture. The Bill does not apply any restrictions on drinking for those under the age of 18, only those who supply it, and it applies no penalty to those who get drunk.
Equally if one looks at what sector has had the most benefit and thae most impact as a result of the de-regulation of the 80’s and 90’s it is unquestionably supermarkets who have now close to 70% of the market share. It is arguable that supermarket pricing, while great for the majority of sensible consumers, has also had the greatest impact of making alcohol readily available to our price-sensitive youth. Restricting bottle shops and removing alcohol from dairies will do little to change New Zealand’s drinking culture while alcohol remains freely available at supermarkets and priced as a loss leader.
If government were serious about addressing the issues of young people drinking and New Zealanders generally drinking to get drunk, then it would do three things. Firstly it would introduce an age of consumption, rather than a drinking age. It remains perfectly legal for anybody under the age of 18 to consume alcohol. Secondly it would re-introduce it as an offence to be drunk in a public place. Currently the only parties responsible and able to be fined or lose their licence for drunkenness are the licensee or their duty manager. Thirdly, alcohol sales should be removed from supermarkets. These three measures would have far more impact than the 416 clauses in the Alcohol Law Reform Bill.
If you have a question you’d like to ask a local leader. Politician or business person email editorial@captimes.co.nz. Please supply your name and address.
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Cover Story

Best of Wellington 2011

Briefs

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