Hon Simon Power

The Government is committed to introducing changes that will reduce the harm caused by alcohol and to make families and neighbourhoods safer and empower communities. It was clear to the Government from day one that the issue of alcohol was going to be a priority. That is why the Government unveiled its integrated and comprehensive alcohol law reform package this week.

Alcohol is estimated to contribute to 1000 deaths a year, and is a major driver of crime. It is implicated in 30 percent of all police recorded offences, 34 percent of recorded family violence, and 50 percent of all homicides.

These figures show that the pendulum has swung too far towards liberalisation of alcohol laws. That is why New Zealanders have been vocal about the need to redress the imbalance that has crept in.

The Government is listening to the public's call for action by responding to the Law Commission's review of alcohol laws contained in the report: Alcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm, and adopting in full, or in part, 126 of its 153 recommendations, as well as making other changes.

The alcohol law reform package aims to achieve three things - First, less alcohol-related harm including deaths and family violence, drunken disorder, and ACC claims. Secondly, a reduction in our binge-drinking culture, especially among young people. Thirdly, a reduction in the number of alcohol outlets and their trading hours. The Government has been careful to get the balance right between not getting too deep into people's personal lives and affecting responsible drinkers, while recognising that there is considerable harm caused by alcohol.

Key features of the package include introducing a graduated approach to purchasing alcohol - 18 years of age for on-licences and 20 years of age for off-licences, and making it an offence for anyone other than a parent or guardian to provide alcohol to an under-18-year-old without a parent's or guardian's consent. Where alcohol is provided to an under-18-year-old, the parent, guardian or authorised person will need to ensure the alcohol is supplied in a responsible manner. It also restricts alcohol mixed with other products (RTDs) to 5 percent alcohol content, and limiting RTDs to containers holding no more than 1.5 standard drinks.

The proposals would allow the Minister of Justice, in consultation with the Minister of Health, to ban alcohol products which are particularly appealing to minors or particularly dangerous to health. They would empower local communities, giving them the ability to decide on the concentration, location, and hours of alcohol outlets for both on and off-licences in their area through the adoption of local alcohol policies.

There would be a new national default maximum trading hours of 7am - 11pm for off-licences and 8am-4am for on-licences, club licences, and special licences for local authorities that choose to not adopt a local alcohol policy. Furthermore, matters that must be considered in issuing licences will be broadened to include such things as the object of the Act, the provision of the local alcohol policy, and whether the amenity or good order of the area would be lessened. The package would strengthen the law on the type of stores that are eligible for an off-licence, to reinforce the current approach that dairies and convenience stores are not eligible.  In addition, there would be a widening of the definition of "public place" in liquor bans to include car parks, school grounds and other private spaces to which the public has legitimate access.

The proposals would strengthen the offence of promotion of excessive consumption of alcohol by making it apply to any business selling or promoting alcohol, and setting out examples of unacceptable promotions, such as giving away alcohol free. Moreover, it would be an offence to promote alcohol in a way that has special appeal to people under the purchase age. These changes will apply to any promotion, including TV advertising and billboards.  The penalties for a range of licence breaches would also be increased. These include allowing an intoxicated person to be on licensed premises, allowing violent behaviour to take place on premises, and running an irresponsible promotion.

The Government says it will investigate a minimum pricing regime by giving retailers a year to provide sales and price data. If they are not forthcoming, the Government will consider regulatory options for obtaining this data. The proposals also aim to improve public education and treatment services for people with dependency issues. They would also require Parliament to lead by example by removing its licensing exemption.

This package is a starting point for Parliament's consideration of our alcohol laws. We will listen carefully to the public through the select committee process to build consensus around the finer points of the package. Information on making a submission to a select committee and access to the bill, once introduced, can be found at http://www.parliament.govt.nz/.

We are keenly aware that legislation alone will not turn bringe-drinking around and eliminate harm. But our reforms can, and will, support a culture change.

The Government aims to introduce legislation to Parliament in October, and plan to pass legislation into law before the end of this parliamentary term.