|
The Ministry of Transport have released a discussion document “Safer Journeys” for public consultation. They propose a reduction in the blood alcohol content from 0.08 to 0.05. The Association will be making a submission which will cover the following key points:
• Few, if any, New Zealanders are killed in the 0.05 - 0.08 range.
• The risk of drink driving accidents increases beyond 0.08.
• Targeting responsible New Zealanders will shift police resourcing away from targeting the major problem being those who are well over the limit, and re-offenders.
• There is evidence to suggest that drugs have a much greater impact associated with low levels of alcohol consumption.
• Criminalising responsible New Zealanders is not addressing the problem.
• Comparisons with the UK and Australia are inappropriate given their availability of public transport, and New Zealand’s greater ratio of vehicles per head of population.
The CANDOR Trust, a registered charity working to reduce impaired driving has, after extensive research, concluded that a lower limit would not save enough lives (approximately three a year) versus more worthy initiatives. They comment that Australia has made much more progress with its road toll by targeting drugs than it did by its limit drops. They also argue that the evidence of 30 years is not supportive for a lower alcohol limit despite a media hysteria campaign. A copy of CANDOR's analysis can be read by clicking here.
We need your help, it can be done in five minutes by completing the online submission. Also participating in the Ministry of Transport’s discussion website would be helpful. Please do this prior to the closing date for submissions, which is 2 October 2009.
Top of Page
As previously advised the Law Commission have published their 297 page issues paper on the reforms of New Zealand liquor laws. The full report can be accessed here. While there are a number of proposals that the industry will support it is concerned that many of the proposals do not address the identified harm of those consuming alcohol under the age of 18, and New Zealanders of any age drinking to excess. In that context the Association is promoting three measures which would make a difference. These are:
- Having a drinking age of 18, with the only exception being if supplied by a parent, with the parent taking responsibility for the consequences. Consuming alcohol by a minor would be an infringement offence, not a criminal offence.
- Making it an offence to be intoxicated in a public place. Again this would not be a criminal offence, but would attract an infringement notice.
- Addressing the issue of off-premise pricing, but particularly pricing at supermarkets through either a ban on advertising the price of alcohol products, or a minimum pricing regime. A minimum price per standard drink for packaged alcohol products could be a simple solution, but will require further work on the detail.
There are a number of areas where members have differing views, such as operating hours for on and off licences. Limiting off-licence hours is supported by most, but there is less enthusiasm for removing the ability for 24 hours licences.Of most concern are the proposals to enhance the Liquor Licensing Authority to impose additional conditions, and giving District Licensing Agencies greater powers to also impose conditions, determine how licensed premises will operate and establish their own licensing fees.
Members are encouraged to make their own submissions, and by attending any Law Commission consultation processes in their region.
Top of Page
Anti alcohol campaigner Doug Sellman is the convenor of Alcohol Action New Zealand, who are running an aggressive nationwide campaign to, among other things, increase excise tax, increase the minimum age for purchasing alcohol to 20, restricting hours and promoting a reduction in the blood alcohol content to 0.05. They have scheduled a series of 32 regional meetings, which are open to anyone in the community, so feel free to attend and present an industry perspective.
Top of Page
Members have previously been circulated with the “Did you know?” posters. Cards are also available. Members in preparation of their own submissions and input to the meetings above may wish to look at the full data supporting the 33 realities.
Members are encouraged to engage with their customers on the “Did you know?” liquor realities. Some ideas are including these issues in pub quizzes, quotes on blackboards, putting up posters or handing them out, including a quote as a footer on emails.
Top of Page
Ultimately Members of Parliament will determine the future operating framework for the sale of alcohol. They will not be voting on these issues until 2010 so now is an excellent opportunity to start to develop relationships with Members of Parliament in your area. It is strongly recommended that hospitality operators take the time to arrange to meet with their local MP on a regular basis to update them on all the issues pertaining to the business of hospitality.
Top of Page
The programme of this year’s annual conference includes extensive coverage of liquor issues, with Sir Geoffrey Palmer – President of the Law Commission, and Simon Power – Minster of Justice, both presenting. Take this opportunity to talk to these key people directly by attending the conference - view the latest programme, then click to register here.
Top of Page
Click here to listen to a national radio interview, where Law Commission president Sir Geoffrey Palmer discusses some of the main points to come out of the review then Chris Laidlaw hosts a discussion between the chief executive of the Hospitality Association Bruce Robertson and Professor Doug Sellman from the National Addiction Centre and Alcohol Action NZ.
Top of Page
Read more articles of interest from E-Line Food and Beverage, E-Line Accommodation OR E-Line Gaming |
