30 November 2006 Media Statement
Beer Wine & Spirits Council to Close
The Managing Directors of Lion Nathan New Zealand and DB Breweries today announced that the Beer, Wine and Spirits
Council, which represents the non-commercial interests of both companies, is to close. The move follows Lion Nathan’s
decision to withdraw from the Council and pursue a more direct engagement with the Government on industry matters.
“The liquor industry is undergoing substantial change in New Zealand,” said Peter Kean, Managing Director of Lion Nathan
“and the Government’s approach to alcohol policy is not category specific.”
“We believe it is time for Lion to take direct accountability for its actions and work collaboratively with the whole
industry – especially to improve the industry’s performance on responsible marketing and supporting efforts to change
New Zealand’s drinking culture.” Brian Blake, Managing Director of DB Breweries said he was disappointed to see the
Council close. “DB has always seen value in an independent, industry voice, which is why we have supported the Beer,
Wine and Spirits Council and, in recent times, looked at options to extend the Council to include wider industry
participation,” said Mr Blake.
“Moving forward, we will now engage directly with a wide range of key stakeholders to progress the issues facing the
industry, and that creates opportunities as well. DB is a responsible brewer that listens to the community and
stakeholders and in that respect nothing will change.
“DB Breweries and Lion Nathan would like to acknowledge the excellent work undertaken by the BWSC in recent years, and
in particular the contribution made by its Chief Executive Nicki Stewart, to informing discussion on the social issues
facing the industry.” The Council will close on 31 December.
ENDS