7. RAHUI KATENE (Māori Party—Te Tai Tonga) Link to this
to the Minister of Justice
Will the Government adopt a zero-tolerance policy to liquor outlets selling to under-age minors, in line with the zero-tolerance policy it intends to adopt towards youth drink-drivers; if not, why not?
Hon SIMON POWER (Minister of Justice) Link to this
No final decisions have been made on the Government’s response to the Law Commission’s report on alcohol. However, good progress has been made and I expect to be able to report back to Parliament shortly. I note that tougher penalties for offences under the Sale of Liquor Act, including sale to minors, were specifically contemplated in the commission’s report. In the meantime the Government is focused on effective enforcement of existing law, and I am advised that the number of premises visited in controlled-purchase operations, such as the one in Porirua over the weekend of 24 to 25 July, has increased from 991 in 2005-06 to 1,547 in 2008-09. Greater enforcement has led to a corresponding drop in the number of outlets selling alcohol to minors.
Does he agree that the endless creation of liquor stores makes alcohol more accessible and will only add to the binge-drinking culture amongst young people; and what advice has he received from the Minister of Youth Affairs about this issue?
Broadly, yes, it has that potential. In respect of the matter relating to the Minister of Youth Affairs, I have received some advice that supports moves to limit alcohol outlets because of the impact it has on younger people.
Has he read the comments of Tokoroa Community Ministries manager Colin Bridle that the town is “awash in liquor” and that every day he gets to “pick up the pieces” of the binge-drinking culture; and what power can communities such as Tokoroa call on to prevent yet another liquor store opening in their areas?
I have not seen the specific comments, but the Law Commission report made specific recommendations about local communities being able to have a much greater say on the granting of liquor licences and, indeed, on the grounds for objection against liquor licences. I can tell the House today that the Government is looking very closely at that particular recommendation.