NZMA Voices Strong Support for Law Commission
NZMA Voices Strong Support for Law Commission’s Alcohol Report
The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) today welcomed the release of the Law Commission’s paper ‘Alcohol in Our Lives: Curbing the Harm,’ which should help our country tackle the many problems caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
NZMA Chair Dr Peter
Foley stressed the serious health problems due to excessive
alcohol consumption which is associated with diseases of the
nervous system, heart, liver and many common medical
problems.
“It is also linked to accidents of all
types, family breakdowns, violence and other alcohol-related
offences.”
“The harmful effects of alcohol in New Zealand have long been underestimated and there is widespread ignorance of the damaging effects of excessive alcohol consumption on both the individual and society.”
The NZMA was supportive of many of the recommendations made in the report, including increased taxes on alcohol, regulating irresponsible promotions that encourage the excessive consumption, or purchase, of alcohol, and returning the minimum purchase age for alcohol to 20.
Dr Foley says: “We acknowledge that the evidence supports age as a significant factor in the problems of inappropriate and excessive drinking. The NZMA is supportive of an increase in the purchase age from the current 18 years.”
The NZMA also concurs with
recommendations to restrict trading hours and for policies
which target cheap alcohol because research shows low cost
alcohol is favoured by young and heavy drinkers.
“We
would also expect increased taxation revenue to be used to
better educate New Zealand and to target services in the
areas that alcohol causes such an impact.”
Dr
Foley said the NZMA was also strongly committed to raising
the level of professional awareness of medical practitioners
to achieve early detection and treatment for patients who
may have problems with alcohol.
“For patients suffering
from alcohol dependence, early detection and full diagnosis
are crucial for treatment to be effective.”
“Finally, no law changes will meet their aims unless legislation strengthens enforcement powers.”
ENDS