Media Release
11 March 2009

Manukau mayor welcomes progress on Liquor Bill

Manukau City Council has welcomed the Government’s first reading of the Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill.

The Bill, which was introduced by the previous Government, passed its first reading last night (Tuesday) without opposition.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says it’s a step in the right direction.    

 “We’re pleased the Government supports our concerns on restricting the number of liquor outlets and location and proximity of outlets, which we covered in our submissions last year,” says Mr Brown. 

“Alcohol is too easily available in our neighbourhoods.  Community safety and the wellbeing of our young people have suffered as a result, despite the best efforts of police and the Manukau District Licensing Agency.

“Unfortunately our liquor licensing officers have one hand tied behind their back when dealing with applications to set up liquor outlets.  The Bill is an opportunity to give our community a greater say on where outlets go.

“If the community is opposed to a liquor outlet being set up in their neighbourhood then their voice needs to be heard.  This is not happening at the moment.

“There is a concern in the community that we are converting too many corner dairies into outlets and this is the time to address it.

“We’re also pleased the Bill is looking at young people and supply.” 

The Bill proposes that it is an offence for adults to give alcohol to a young person without the consent of their parents or guardians. 

The council is already working with the Manukau District Licensing Agency, Counties Manukau Police, Papakura and Franklin District Council’s in developing a project aimed at people supplying alcohol to young people, at the point of purchasing. 

The initiative titled ‘Think-Drink’ has the catchphrase of ‘buying liquor for young people doesn’t buy them a good time’.

One tactic aimed at influencing buying behaviour is an educational DVD playing in liquor stores which show the effects of young people drinking.  Already two major bottle store chains have agreed to use the catch phrase on their own shopping bags and play the DVD in-store. 

All bottle stores and supermarkets across Counties Manukau will be asked to participate in this project.  The project is in the final stages of development and will be launched in June 2009.

“I want to thank police and the agencies that have supported this Bill,” says Mr Brown.

ENDS

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