PRESS RELEASE
12 August 2008

New Zealand Federation of Ethnic Councils welcomes and supports Associate Justice Minister Lianne Dalziel’s Sale of Supply of Liqour and Enforcement Bill supporting changes to bill to include

• Local authorities will get more power to decide how alcohol is sold in their areas, including bar opening hours.
• It will become illegal to supply alcohol to minors without the permission of a parent or guardian.
• A zero-alcohol limit will be introduced for drivers under the age of 20 who do not hold a full licence.
• A "three strikes and you're out" provision for liquor shop managers prosecuted for selling to minors.

However, believes that it will be disadvantageous and discriminatory to smaller businesses and in favour of larger business and supermarkets. If the 150 meter square area change is implemented. Small businesses are the heart of New Zealand and livelihood of many new immigrants. There are many small grocery stores around the country in urban areas, who don’t have the capacity for increased size or revenue to sustain the business, but definitely need this licence to complement their income.

The Federation recommends that instead of addressing the issue by “floor area” it will supports a stringent set of Security provisions, education and any other measures that improves safety, that are enforced to ALL outlets wanting licence to sell alcohol.

The Federation welcomes the Associate Ministers move for the review of the legislation in view of the current wave of crimes and recommendations received from public and police.

ENDS

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