No Support from Justice Minister for Alcohol Sachet ban

Minister of Justice Amy Adams has rejected the call for a ban on alcohol sachets, alcohol powder and alcohol concealment devices by the Eden Park Community Liaison Group (CLG).

Speaking on behalf of the CLG, a group which includes NZ Police, local business associations and residents groups, Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, Councillor Cathy Casey said:

“It is extremely disappointing that the Minister has chosen not to exercise her authority to recommend that these items be declared banned alcohol products. It is particularly concerning that Minister Adams considers it “unnecessary” to ban alcohol sachets because the problem is not wide-spread enough. So do we just wait until the situation worsens?”

“Eden Park has raised legitimate concerns about concealed alcohol being smuggled into the ground. Their events licence is dependent on their ability to control alcohol consumption. Concealment means greater risk of in-ground intoxication.”

“Concealed products are a huge threat to the hospitality industry and completely undermine the stringent controls put in place by licensees. It is unfair that licensed premises that fail to manage intoxication as a result of concealed alcohol consumption risk licence suspension, resulting in business closure.”

“The CLG is also disappointed that the Minister is not taking a pre-emptive strike to ban alcohol powder (marketed as “Palcohol”) before it reaches New Zealand. Be assured the CLG will be monitoring the type of concealed alcohol coming through Eden Parks’ gates and advising the Minister of any new trends.”

(Letter from Minister attached)

Minister_Adams__Letter.pdf
Letter_from_Minister_re_concealed_alcohol_sachets.pdf

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