Balanced Response to Alcohol Law Reforms

MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release 23 August 2010

Balanced Response to Alcohol Law Reforms

The NZ Retailers Association welcomes the Government’s release of its decisions on the recommendations contained in the recent report from the Law Commission on alcohol reform in New Zealand.

We are supportive of the balanced approach adopted by the Government and believe it should have a positive outcome in assisting to minimise alcohol related harm in New Zealand.

We would have preferred a single minimum age of purchase rather than the split age but whatever decision is finally taken by Parliament on a conscience vote we will continue to strongly reinforce shopper ID for all liquor sales in retail stores.

We are supportive of the Government’s decision to minimise market intervention in relation to excise tax, pricing, advertising and promotions.

However, we do have major concerns about the likelihood of a proliferation of different community based rules being introduced under the proposed Local Alcohol Plans, including variations to hours of opening, which could in turn lead to higher compliance costs for nationally based retail operations.

It is vitally important that local plans need to balance social and commercial objectives and that they should not unreasonably limit commercial freedoms, concluded the Association.

ENDS