13 January 2006

Booze ad review must target adults' attitudes too

The Government's alcohol advertising review is a welcome move, but any attempt to change Kiwi drinking habits must be aimed at adults as well as young people, Green Party Associate Health Spokesperson Metiria Turei says.

Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor has today announced the "wide-ranging review of regulations controlling the advertising and promotion of alcohol". The Green Party has long advocated an end to alcohol advertising.

"The Greens are pleased that the Government seems to be finally beginning to take the issue of alcohol advertising more seriously," Mrs Turei says.

"We agree with the Drug Foundation that it is essential that public health advocates be included on the review panel, as they're the ones at the coalface.

"Certainly more than the alcohol and advertising industries should be involved, as they have an investment in the status quo.

"Critically, its important that this doesn't turn into yet another youth-bashing exercise. Yes, the role of advertising on youth drinking is a central issue, but culture change must be directed beyond young people to include adults who are the role models for this behaviour.

"Many New Zealanders think that binging is the only way to consume any psycho-active substance, so there is a urgent need to remove both the encouragements and the barriers-to-change that perpetuate that attitude," Mrs Turei says.

ENDS

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