Pragmatic Approach to Alcohol Welcomed

Pragmatic Approach to Alcohol Welcomed by Food & Grocery Council [NZ Food & Grocery Council]
FGC Media Release:
For Immediate Release: Monday 23 August 2010

Pragmatic Approach to Alcohol Welcomed by Food & Grocery Council.

The Government’s liquor reform announcement today is a pragmatic approach to addressing the harm caused by alcohol abuse, while recognising the rights of the majority of New Zealanders who enjoy alcohol in moderation, says Katherine Rich, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council.

“While we do not agree with every detail announced today, particularly those which could lead to wide variations in trading hours and introduce significant compliance costs, the overall package and direction of the reforms appear balanced.

“Some draconian reforms being pushed by others will do little to address the issues of alcohol addiction or abuse, while impacting unfairly on most Kiwis who enjoy a moderate drink. Overall, the Government seems to have chartered a common sense course that focuses on tackling the harm and giving a greater voice to local communities.”

However, while we recognise that community voices are important, there is still a need for clear, overarching national rules. A worst case scenario of over 70 different local approaches to selling liquor in a market the size of Sydney would be an administrative nightmare for the grocery sector.

The Food Grocery Council strongly rebuts the idea that access to alcohol in supermarkets is the problem, as has been suggested by some.

“Brightly lit, busy public places with second checks on all purchases arguably make buying at supermarkets harder for teen drinkers than any other outlet. Most shoppers purchase alcohol in the context of a convenient weekly food shop,” said Mrs Rich.

We look forward to playing our part in the debate as these reforms continue through a select committee process.

ENDS