Restaurant Association Supports Alcohol Reform But Cautions Against Uniformed Decisions

Auckland, 24 August 2010 – The Restaurant Association of New Zealand (RANZ) today welcomed the Government’s comprehensive alcohol law reform package saying that it supported the move to address concerns caused by alcohol-related harm but cautioned against allowing too much community involvement that could impact the commercial viability of hospitality businesses.

RANZ which represents 1,600 key restaurant businesses and members throughout New Zealand says that it applauds the adoption by the Government of 126 of the 153 Law Commission recommendations where the focus is on minimising alcohol harm using a using a balanced, sensible approach.

Steve Mackenzie, CEO of RANZ says that his organisation’s membership supports the package of reforms which will not interfere with the rights of responsible drinkers, diners or hospitality businesses.
“On the whole this is a thorough yet sensible approach to minimising the harms caused by alcohol and for the most part will not impinge on the hospitality industry or the ability of responsible patrons to still enjoy a good night out with a few drinks over a meal,” says Mackenzie.

Mackenzie adds that the Restaurant Association only concern with the alcohol reform package is the proposal to allow local communities to have a say in determining the trading hours and licences for restaurants might cause some anomalies.

“We believe that any decisions regarding restaurant trading hours and conditions on licenses should be a determination made primarily by the hospitality owner along with regulatory authorities and councils. The danger is that if uninformed decisions are made by a local community this could unfairly impact the commercial viability of hospitality businesses at the very time they need support.”

Mackenzie notes that RANZ looks forward to talking with local communities on how best to manage the availability of alcohol in a way that doesn’t penalise responsible business operators.

ENDS

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