Commission's Judgement Impaired On Alcohol Regulation

Hon Heather Roy, ACT Deputy Leader
Tuesday, April 27 2010

ACT Deputy Leader Heather Roy today expressed the ACT Party's opposition to, and criticism of, the proposals contained in the Law Commission report 'Alcohol In Our Lives - Curbing The Harm' - proposals that could not possibly pass the Government's tests for good regulatory and tax policy.

"The Commission wants to take us back to the days of punitive excise taxation - which hits everyone, particularly those on low incomes, rather than just problem drinkers - and Nanny State regulation of trading hours, closing times for bars and the purchase age," Mrs Roy said.

"We have already been there and done that with alcohol policy - it didn't work then, and it won't work now. The report is a 'back to the future' approach to addressing the harm caused by alcohol that only just stopped short of suggesting prohibition - which has never worked - or a return to the '6 o'clock closing' that gave us the '6 o'clock swill'.

"Since liberalisation began in 1989 alcohol consumption per head has dropped significantly and there has been no increase in hazardous drinking. The tourism, hospitality and entertainment industries - and New Zealand at large - have benefited from less repressive policies over the past two decades. Adoption of the Commission's proposals would see the majority of New Zealanders - who have a responsible attitude to alcohol - penalised for the actions of a minority.

"In addition, the Commission also states: 'we recommend changes to the law but we are under no illusion that this will be sufficient to combat the problems outlined in this report' and 'many of the necessary changes must flow from the community itself, not the law.'

"We don't need new laws and regulations; we need strategies that target the small percentage of drinkers who cause the problems. These should include better enforcement of existing laws, greater penalties for drunken and disorderly behaviour, banning orders, stricter welfare policies for alcohol and drug abusers, and less access to ACC. Public naming and shaming of serious offenders could also be considered.

"We already have laws to address illegal and anti-social behaviour but the problem - as the Commission states - is lack of enforcement. Enforcing current laws and encouraging individuals to take responsibility for their actions are the first steps to addressing these issues, and ACT will not be supporting 'back to the past' 'government knows best' policies," Mrs Roy said.

ENDS

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