Reducing the impact of alcohol

Alcohol abuse and binge drinking are problems that affect many New Zealanders and can lead to violent crime, domestic abuse and drink driving.

The National-led Government is determined to lessen the impact of drinking on our communities and that's why we have supported the Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill.

I would like to congratulate Manukau City Council for working hard to ensure that this piece of legislation was introduced to Parliament.

The Bill is in response to calls from people across the country to limit the availability of alcohol and encourage adults and young people to drink more responsibly and has been lobbied for by the Manukau City Council.

I know that many people in our ethnic communities are shocked at how accessible alcohol is and the terrible effect alcohol abuse has on the country. 

A recent study found that children as young as four were trying alcohol, and that the onset of drinking rises very steeply from the age of twelve. 

The Bill recognises that parents have the primary responsibility for teaching their children to drink responsibly.  It will make it an offence for adults to give alcohol to a young person without the consent of their parents or guardians.

Since 1990, the number of on-licence and off-licence premises has more than tripled and New Zealanders have become concerned with the sheer number of liquor outlets in this country, particularly when they spring up near schools and other community places.

This Bill aims to limit the availability of alcohol and reducing alcohol abuse.

This Bill will help tackle alcohol problems early and will allow police to order young people caught drinking to attend intervention programmes rather than just issuing them with infringement notices.

There will also be zero tolerance for young drivers who choose to drink before getting behind the wheel.  Teenagers need to fully understand the consequences of drink driving.

The Government is committed to making our communities and roads safer and this Bill is another step towards reaching our goal.

The Bill proposes that:

• Local councils can restrict the number of liquor outlets, the hours of operations and restrict the location and proximity of community buildings such as schools.

• Except in very limited circumstances, grocery stores will not be able to obtain a liquor licence unless they have a floor area of at least 150 square metres. Those with existing licensees will have to comply with this to have their licences renewed.

• Grocery stores will continue to be restricted to selling beer, wine, cider and mead and will not be able to sell spirits or hard liquor.

• The blood alcohol content for drivers under 20 years of age who don't have a full drivers licence will be reduced to zero.