PRESS RELEASE
NZILLI Welcomes Review Of Licensing Regime
The New Zealand Institute of Liquor Licensing Inspectors (NZILLI) supports the government’s announcement that the Law
Commission will conduct a ‘first principles’ review of the licensing regime around the sale, supply and promotion of
liquor in New Zealand
NZILLI President, Murray Clearwater, says “The Institute has been calling a full review for several years because the
Sale of Liquor 1989 Act has not kept up with the changes in marketing and positioning of alcohol in the public arena.
Our members are the regulators with a statutory duty to enquire into, report on and license the sellers of alcohol. They
are also required to ensure that licensees comply with the conditions attached to those licences by the effective
monitoring of licensed premises.
However the huge range of alcoholic drinks, the ease of availability and affordability of alcohol was never envisaged 20
years ago when the 1989 Act became law.
We now have internet based off-licences, loss-leading promotions in supermarkets, alcoholic chocolate milkshakes and
RTDs containing up to 12% alcohol by volume. There are loop-holes in the current law that have been exploited and have
seen the number of licensed premises rise dramatically in recent years. Any new legislation must provide greater
clarity and tools for communities and reporting agencies to set reasonable controls around the sale and supply of liquor
that will contribute to reducing alcohol related harm.”
We still strongly believe that minors should only be allowed to consume alcohol under the direct supervision of their
parents or lawful guardians.
The Institute looks forward to working with the government and the Law Commission as this review rolls out to ensure a
modern, effective and practical licensing regime is enacted for the future.
ends