Media Statement 24 July 2007

Liquor Licensing Authority ruling sets a national precedent: party pills should not be sold concurrent to alcohol

The Liquor Licensing Authority has put liquor retailers and party pill suppliers on notice: alcohol and party pills should not be sold concurrently.

The ruling was issued by the Authority in the matter of the application by Roscommon Liquor Limited, trading as Roscommon Liquor. The liquor licence application attracted an objection from Daniel Newman and Angela Dalton.

“The Authority has set a benchmark, which will have national implications. The applicants, having received a clear direction from the Authority that the licence was in jeopardy if they continued to pursue a plan to sell party pills concurrent to alcohol, finally relented and agreed to give an undertaking not to supply or sell the former at the Roscommon Liquor premises, situated in Browns Road, Manurewa. It was necessary for the applicants to give that undertaking, least they lose the right to trade.

“We lodged the objection to the licence application on the basis that the applicants wished to sell party pills. We are grateful that the Authority agreed with our arguments and those presented by the District Licensing Authority and the Police. In challenging the application to sell party pills concurrent to alcohol, the Authority is upholding the health and safety of the public. The decision sets a precedent that we can use elsewhere,” Daniel Newman said.

The applicants, following repeated suggestion from Judge E. W. Unwin, signed a written undertaking to cease the supply and sale of products that are described as party pills. The applicants also acknowledged that any decision to breach that undertaking would result in the commencement of proceedings with a view to revoking the off-licence.

“The decision in relation to Roscommon Liquor Limited is huge. The applicants desire to supply and sell party pills is completely inconsistent with Cabinet’s decision to ban the supply and sale of BZP. The reclassification of BZP as a Class C1 drug pursuant to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 will mean those found in possession of BZP will be liable for a term of imprisonment of up to three months and/or a $500 fine.

“Party pills are dangerous. The causal link between consumption of party pills and death has not been discounted. Party pills are particularly dangerous when consumed with alcohol.

“We are delighted that the Authority heeded the arguments set out in our objection, which was the initial catalyst for this matter being reviewed. It is not only a victory for the people of Manurewa and Clendon, it now sets a benchmark to remove these dangerous and harmful products from communities throughout New Zealand,” Daniel Newman said.

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