Inaction on Alcohol COnsumption

MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 23 February 2007

Figures released today by Statistics New Zealand show alcohol consumption is the highest in 20 years.

Alcohol Healthwatch Director Rebecca Williams says increases in per capita consumption are directly linked to increases in harm.

Continued increases in the consumption of spirit-based drinks should set off any alarm bells left to ring.

Williams says that ready-to-drinks (RTDs) continue to drive the consumption increases and these are particularly popular among the younger drinker. A broader range of young people are being introduced to spirits and spirit brands. RTDs are cheap, convenient and designed to appeal to young people.

New Zealand’s response to the issue is stuck in a cycle of review and inaction or ineffective action. We are continuing to do the same old things and not achieving change. This amounts to playing Russian roulette with the health of New Zealanders, adults and children alike. This is simply not good enough.

If we were serious about reducing harm and creating a safer environment for raising tomorrow’s New Zealanders we would take effective action. We would begin a process of implementing tax increases, restricting the marketing of liquor and cutting back on the number of liquor outlets and the hours they are open as a starting point – and we’d do it now.

ENDS

Action on Liquor Campaign information and briefing papers (including topics alcohol advertising and marketing, taxation, sale of liquor) be found at www.ahw.co.nz

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