Evidence to support greater restrictions on liquor outlets

Media Release, 7 November 2013

Evidence to support greater restrictions on liquor outlets hours and density will be presented at research seminar in Auckland today (Friday 8th November 2013).

The seminar is one of three featuring visiting Associate Professor Peter Miller from Deakin University in Australia. Professor Miller is visiting New Zealand to share findings from two major studies on the effectiveness of interventions to address alcohol-related crime and violence in the night time economy.

Professor Peter Miller says New Zealand needs to reduce the hours licensed premises are open, if it wants to address night time alcohol-related crime and violence in its cities.

The research compared six Australian cities over three years and involved talking to over 11,000 patrons. 

“The studies looked at the effectiveness of interventions for reducing alcohol-related offending and injuries. When we looked at the findings from the cities of Newcastle and Geelong, for example, we found the most effective intervention was a reduction in trading hours.

“In Newcastle, where trading hour restrictions and a number of other interventions were imposed on licensed premises, there were significant improvements in alcohol-related injuries and offending. Significant reductions in assaults and injuries have been achieved and continue to improve. There were also reductions in behaviours such as ‘pre-loading’. 

“In Geelong where the interventions such as ID scanners, CCTV and radio networks were voluntary and did not include reduced trading hours, improvements were not observed.”

He says the studies found that over 80 percent of people who were heavily intoxicated subsequently purchased another drink, showing ‘responsible service of alcohol’ training was failing.

“The studies found some interventions such as one-way doors, where patrons can't return to a venue once they have left it, are useful support strategies, while others – often those supported by the alcohol industry – are ineffective and counterproductive.

“Clearly reduced trading hours and other strategies can reduce the amount of alcohol consumed and levels of intoxication, then you see a change in the negative consequences.”

Professor Miller says it’s timely to share these findings with New Zealand, given the work being done on local alcohol policies here. 

“I hope the Australian experience will help you create safer cities and reduce the alcohol-related harms we see late at night.”

He says voluntary systems simply don't work.

Alcohol Healthwatch Director Rebecca Williams says that in New Zealand nearly half of the victims of crime in public places say the offender was intoxicated. During weekends up to 75% of injury presentations to emergency departments are alcohol-related.  Reducing trading hours will reduce this burden, and local alcohol policies provide the perfect opportunity to implement these changes.

Prof Miller will be presenting his findings tomorrow at Violence to Vibrancy: How can we make this our new reality?  Friday 8th November 2013, Waipuna Conference Suites Highbrook, Auckland.

He will be joined at the Auckland seminar by Dr Michael Cameron from the National Institute of Demographic and Economic Analysis, University of Waikato.  Dr Cameron will be discussing impacts of the density of alcohol outlets in relation to police events and motor vehicle crashes.

Alcohol Healthwatch Director Rebecca Williams says that trading hours and outlet density are two elements of local alcohol policies with great potential of directly addressing alcohol-related problems.  “It is so important that local councils take into account the evidence that is available in formulating their policies.  To be effective a local alcohol policy must include measures to reduce trading hours and better control for the number and location of liquor outlets.”

“The community will have to ensure that their expectations are met when Auckland’s Local Alcohol Policy comes out for consultation which is expected early 2014.”   She hopes the seminar will provide some useful evidence and information for those wanting to engage in that consultation process.

ENDS

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