According to University of Otago analysis, the Alcohol Reform Bill will fall short of having a significant impact on New Zealand drinking culture.
Presently before parliament, the bill is designed to minimise the harm caused by excessive or inappropriate consumption of liquor. If passed, it would affect bar hours, off-license trading, liquor advertising and the alcohol purchase age.
Performed by the university's Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, the analysis report showed that the bill largely ignored evidence-based advice provided by a Law Commission review. Included in the commission’s recommendations was an increase of alcohol excise taxes which would raise alcohol prices by 10%, a return to the previous purchase age of 20, and regulation of the advertising of alcohol.
The New Zealand public have weighed in on the issue, with a record number of public submissions totalling more than 9000. The bill is due to be reported back to parliament in June.
Alcohol Reform Bill
