95bFM Alcohol harm legislation to be debated in parliament
4 July, 2022
By Trishil Kyle Dahya
Green Party Drug Reform Spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick argues that MPs across the House have refused to act on alcohol-related crimes. Photo: Unsplash.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Harm Minimisation Amendment Bill, introduced by Green Party Drug Reform Spokesperson Chlöe Swarbrick, proposes new legislation to minimise alcohol harm in Aotearoa.
The bill would remove the special appeals process for local alcohol policies, allowing communities to have a greater say on alcohol availability in their neighbourhood.
This process is used by supermarket and bottle store retailers to prevent or delay regulation of local alcohol availability.
Alcohol Healthwatch reports that New Zealand's two largest councils are requesting alcohol law change representing over 40% of the national population.
The bill would also ban alcohol sponsorship and advertising in live or broadcast sports and sports venues.
According to the Health Promotion Agency's 2018 Health and Lifestyles Survey, 67 percent of New Zealanders support ending alcohol-related sponsorship of events that people under 18 can attend.
Swarbrick told 95bFM's The Wire that the bill was added to the members' ballot in July 2021 and was drawn last week "by the pure luck of the biscuit tin".
Swarbrick stated that alcohol is one of Aotearoa's most harmful drugs.
"Alcohol harm, like all drug harm, isn't inevitable, especially on the scale we experience it. What makes the difference is evidence-based regulation."
Swarbrick said MPs across the House have refused to act on alcohol-related crimes, and this bill will force the debate in parliament.
"While MPs have dawdled to act, Councils representing more than half the population of Aotearoa have shown the necessary leadership and endorsed the Bill."
Alcohol Healthwatch Executive Director Dr Nicki Jackson told The Wire it has been a decade since there has been legislation in front of parliament that seeks to reduce the harm from alcohol.
"People are sick and tired of more and more bottle stores in their communities and are trying to do something about it. This bill finally gives them a greater say."
Dr Jackson said Alcohol Healthwatch also wants to see an end to the glamourisation of alcohol through sports and other industries.
"Exposure to alcohol marketing has been shown to be a cause of young people starting to drink earlier, and drinking larger quantities."
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
