3. CHESTER BORROWS (National—Whanganui) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
How does the Government’s alcohol reform package, announced yesterday, balance the need to reduce alcohol-related harm with the interests of responsible drinkers?
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) Link to this
It does so because reducing the harm caused by alcohol is a significant part of the Government’s policy to reduce the drivers of crime. That is why we have adopted in full or in part 126 of the 153 recommendations of the Law Commission’s report. Proposals to restrict opening hours, the number of licences, and irresponsible advertising will not affect the majority of responsible drinkers. This Government is not in the business of interfering in the lives of those who simply enjoy a drink now and then.
The Government is targeting young people because, as the Law Commission reported, young people suffer a high and disproportionate level of alcohol-related harm. For example, the highest proportion of alleged offenders who are affected by alcohol are aged between 17 and 20. If a new law is to have any impact on the drinking culture, we need to start with our young people by putting measures in place to control both the supply of alcohol to youth and the environment in which they are drinking. We have done that by proposing an increase in the age for off-licence purchase, limiting the alcoholic content and volume of ready-to-drinks, restricting drinking in spaces such as car-parks and school grounds, and backing the rights of parents to decide who should give their children alcohol.
Hon Lianne Dalziel Link to this
Why has he failed to address the problem of retailers selling dirt-cheap liquor—alcopops at $1.50 a bottle and wine priced as low as $5 to $6 a bottle—which is depicted in the cartoon I am holding as the dead elephant in the room, alongside these changes, which are depicted as air freshener to cover the smell?
We have not ignored those recommendations around minimum pricing, at all. In fact, we have made substantial inroads into discussing the arrangements that need to be made for the collection of pricing, sales figures, and data around retailers’ sales of alcoholic products. Those matters will be considered by the select committee as part of an ongoing discussion about alcohol reform, and I am pleased to see that the Leader of the Opposition has indicated he will support the bill’s first reading.
Rahui KateneDoes the Minister agree that tamariki do what adults do; if so, how will his reforms change the behaviour of heavy drinkers, 92 percent of whom are adults aged 20 and over?
Yes, but there are a couple of issues with the statistic that was quoted by the member. The first is that 96 percent of the population who are legally able to drink are over the age of 20. Secondly, setting a culture for young people who will eventually be over 20 is an important part of this package.
Sue KedgleyWhat is the Government’s logic for excluding casinos from the restrictions it is proposing to place on selling liquor after 5 a.m. in bars and clubs, and will not this exemption simply encourage people in Auckland and Christchurch to head off down to a casino when the local bar has shut and gamble as well as drink?
The reason is that Cabinet agreed with the Law Commission’s recommendation that the status quo should remain—that is, “The Gambling Act 2003 allows casinos to sell alcohol for consumption in a casino during the hours the casino is open, regardless of the Sale of Liquor Act.” But I can assure the member that the Government will listen to public submissions on this and other matters during the select committee process.
Will the Minister’s reforms reduce alcohol consumption by Māori and alcohol-related criminal offences committed by Māori; if so, what evidence or advice has he received about the degree of such reductions?
Yes, that is certainly the intention. The Government’s proposals are intended to reduce excessive consumption across the population, including amongst Māori, and subsequent alcohol-related harm, such as criminal offending. As I have said in this House and in other fora, alcohol law reform is a key component of the Drivers of Crime programme to reduce alcohol-related offending across the population.
When will he introduce to the House legislation to give effect to the Government’s policy announcement?
It is my intention to introduce legislation to the House in the middle of October. If the Hon Gerry Brownlee is in agreement, it is my intention for that bill to be read a first time before Christmas. The bill will be sent to a select committee for a full 6 months, and it is my intention to pass the legislation prior to the end of next year.
Hon Jim AndertonDid the Minister agree with the co-leader of the Māori Party Tariana Turia when she said: “We know that putting up the price is a powerful tool to reduce smoking”; if so, why does he not think the same argument applies to New Zealand’s culture of heavy drinking?
Yes, because putting up the price of a product that always harms is an effective measure; alcohol does not always harm.
Hon Lianne Dalziel Link to this
Why does he not refer a Supplementary Order Paper to the select committee considering the Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill, or would that just remind the public that they have already submitted on local alcohol plans, parental consent for under-age drinking, alcohol advertising measures, and under-20-year-olds having a zero drink-driving limit?
I will not be referring a Supplementary Order Paper to the select committee on that bill—which was introduced by the previous Government on 6 August 2008 but was not given a first reading in 12 sitting days, including two periods of urgency, before the House rose for the election. This Government gave that bill its first reading and sent it to a select committee. Unfortunately, it needs to be rewritten.
I raise a point of order, Mr Speaker. I seek leave for the Liquor Advertising (Television and Radio) Bill, which regulates alcohol advertising, to be set down as a members’ order of the day.
Mr SPEAKER