New Zealand Proposes Alcohol Law Changes Amid Health Concerns

The New Zealand government is introducing proposed changes to alcohol legislation, aiming to balance the needs of responsible consumers and businesses while addressing issues related to alcohol misuse. Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee emphasized that the reforms are designed to ensure that responsible drinkers are not unfairly penalized due to the actions of a minority who misuse alcohol. This statement follows Cabinet’s approval of the proposed law changes last week.

While McKee’s assertion that “most New Zealanders who choose to drink alcohol do so responsibly” reflects a positive view, the statistics paint a more complex picture. According to the recently released report from the Public Health Advisory Committee, titled “Determining Our Future,” approximately 720,000 adults in New Zealand engage in hazardous drinking, contributing to an estimated annual cost of $9.1 billion related to health issues, social violence, injuries, and road fatalities. This figure significantly exceeds the revenue generated from alcohol taxes, highlighting the extensive societal impact of alcohol misuse.

Concerns Over Rapid Changes in Alcohol Sales

The report also notes a concerning trend: the increase in underage drinking, especially among those aged 15 to 17, as well as a rise in alcohol consumption among women. The rapid growth of online alcohol sales since the Covid-19 pandemic poses additional risks, potentially exacerbating issues of underage and binge drinking. In response, the government is not proposing to prohibit online sales, citing enforcement difficulties. Instead, it aims to enhance safeguards, such as improved age verification processes under the government’s Digital Identification Trust Framework. However, uncertainty remains regarding the implementation of these measures, as there are currently no accredited digital identity organizations registered within the framework.

In addition to age verification, McKee announced that the government would establish clear responsibilities for alcohol delivery services to prevent sales to underage or intoxicated individuals. Proposed changes also include granting license applicants the right to respond to objections and restricting objections to residents of local communities. These adjustments may raise concerns that the new rules could favor large corporations with substantial resources, potentially undermining local communities’ desires for stricter regulations.

Potential Impact on Local Alcohol Policies

Local authorities have expressed apprehension about the implications of these changes. For instance, supermarkets have previously delayed the introduction of restrictions in Auckland and Christchurch, incurring significant costs for local governments. Moreover, the Cabinet chose not to adopt recommendations to reduce off-licence sale hours nationally, opting to maintain the current hours from 7:00 to 23:00. Research suggested that adjusting these hours could prevent approximately 2400 crimes annually, raising questions about the government’s commitment to addressing alcohol-related harm.

Details regarding the advice McKee received during this decision-making process remain sparse, as no relevant documents were released with the announcement. It has been clarified that the advice came from the Ministry of Justice rather than direct input from health or law enforcement agencies. This raises concerns about alignment with the government’s recently announced Health Plan, which aims to reduce the availability and social acceptance of alcohol. Critics argue that the proposed changes, such as allowing barbers and hairdressers to serve alcohol without a license, do not align with this goal.

While McKee’s focus appears to be on facilitating alcohol sales for businesses, many are left questioning the broader implications for public health and safety. The government’s approach may satisfy business interests, but it does little to address the growing concerns related to alcohol misuse and its impact on communities, particularly for those who face the consequences of alcohol-related harm.