Time to Focus on Implementation of the Changes to Our Alcohol Laws

PRESS RELEASE

13 DECEMBER 2012

With the third reading of the Alcohol Reform Bill completed, and only requiring the royal assent to become law, the focus will now shift to the implementation of the provisions in the bill, says the Health Promotion Agency (HPA). The HPA is a Crown agent that has taken over the work of the former Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC).

HPA General Manager Policy, Research and Advice Dr Andrew Hearn said the new legislation marked a change in direction from the last 20 years of liberalism of alcohol laws. “It contains some useful provisions such as giving communities the ability to control how alcohol is managed in their neighourhood: strengthening the rules over provision of alcohol to minors; and restrictions on access and availability of alcohol through cutting back on opening hours and types of stores that can hold a licence will all contribute to reducing alcohol-related harm.”

Although the provisions in the bill would be introduced over a 12 month period, work needed to begin now to ensure the general public, communities, territorial authorities, and those involved in the sale and supply of alcohol were aware of and prepared for the changes.

Dr Hearn said the HPA was working with the Ministry of Justice to communicate the changes. The HPA was also working with Local Government NZ on the implementation of the local alcohol policies and with those involved with the sale and supply of alcohol around changes to licensing and the laws around advertising and promotion.

Dr Hearn said the HPA was also developing information resources for parents to ensure they ware aware of the changes around supplying alcohol to young people.

“We often get calls from irate parents saying their child was given alcohol at a party and what can be done about it. Unfortunately, under the current law, the answer is not a lot. While we have a purchase age of 18, that does not restrict other people supplying alcohol to minors in family homes. Under the new law, permission for those under 18 to drink alcohol in a private home will have to be sought from their parents or guardian.”

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