Dr Paul Hutchison National Associate Health Spokesman
11 August 2004
Banning alcohol advertising won't solve problem
National's Associate Health spokesman Dr Paul Hutchison says banning alcohol advertising will not solve the problem of
youth binge drinking.
Today, the Health Select Committee was presented with a petition on banning alcohol advertising. The Group Against
Liquor Advertising (GALA) is advocating a Health Select Committee inquiry and urging ' the cessation of alcohol
advertising on all New Zealand controlled media and a phasing-out of alcohol sponsorship'.
Dr Hutchison says there are complex social factors at work that influence teenage drinking choices."
Stories of parent-supervised school parties involving alcohol, and easy access to alcohol by teenagers despite the law,
demonstrate just part of the increasing problem in New Zealand. "
Educating New Zealanders, not just young people, about moderation is crucial."
Dr Hutchison says teenage alcohol abuse in New Zealand is serious and a comprehensive evidenced-based strategy to curb
it is urgently needed. There have been six reviews on liquor advertising since 1991 - one every 26 months.
ENDS