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| Column - F&B Magazine Are we really going to have liquor reform? Just where liquor legislation is going, the form it will take and the impact it will have, is far from clear – and changing almost on a daily basis. The Government have reacted to the sad events in South Auckland by belatedly supporting the George Hawkins Bill, which will give local government more discretion over the granting of new liquor licenses and includes the requirement for a social impact report. This Bill had the support of all members of Parliament (except ACT) in at least sending it to the Select Committee. The Select Committee has now invited submissions on the Bill, which will close on 15 August. Significantly, the Select Committee is not due to report back to Parliament until 6 October. By this time electioneering will, at the very least, be well underway. The Government has also indicated it is looking to revamp the Bill (proposed late last year by Ministers Burton and O’Connor) which focussed on preventing harm to young people from alcohol. This Bill, being directed by Associate Minister of Justice Lianne Dalziel, appears likely to allow local government to have a greater say over the density and location of liquor licences within their area, target liquor being sold from dairy/grocery outlets, and confirm that supermarkets are not permitted to sell spirits. The Bill will also propose measures to tighten the limitations around the supply of alcohol to minors by anyone other than a parent or guardian. At the time of writing this column this Bill was yet to be introduced, so it would appear very unlikely that such a Bill could pass in the term of this Government. Both these Bills are reactive rather than proactive measures. A better strategy would be to announce and implement a first principles review of the Sale of Liquor Act, to be undertaken by an independent panel. A review lead by people of the calibre of Sir George Laking and Sir John Robertson (who lead the previous reviews) would be far more proactive, consistent and more likely to deliver legislation which actually makes a difference. It is not too late for this approach to delivering liquor legislation that works for today’s needs. Bruce H Robertson 22 July 2008 |
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