Law Commission recommendations patronising, moralistic and ineffective

The Law Commission’s alcohol recommendations are patronising, moralistic and will be ineffective in reducing harm, says Bruce Robertson, Chief Executive of the Hospitality Association.

With less than 30% of alcohol consumed in licensed premises applying more regulation, restrictions and compliance costs will not affect on how New Zealanders drink. What is required are measures which will change individual behaviour and protect our young people.

Mr Robertson said it is disappointing that the Law Commission had not recommended establishing a drinking age at 18 and making it an offence to be drunk in a public place. These two measures, he said, would have targeted the major issues of minors and alcohol and binge drinking.

Until individuals take responsibility for their own actions rather than blaming alcohol or those that serve them, then New Zealand’s drinking culture will not change.

The proposed restrictions are in direct opposition to the government’s wish to use the Rugby World Cup to portray New Zealand as a sophisticated modern destination.

Mr Robertson said it is ironic that some of the measures will be welcome by the on-premise industry as they are good for business, even though they won’t achieve the Law Commission’s objective of reducing harm.

ENDS

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