MEDIA RELEASE
13 May 2009

Alcohol Healthwatch supports the Law Commission’s proposal to end the conscience vote on alcohol.

The Commission released the first of three reports from its Review of the Regulatory Framework for the Sale and Supply of Liquor. In this report presented to Parliament yesterday (12th May 2009), the Law Commission proposes an end to the conscience vote on alcohol issues, with Commission President Sir Geoffrey Palmer saying that alcohol laws are too important to be left to a conscience vote.

Alcohol Healthwatch Director agrees saying that with a social burden estimated at anywhere between $4.8 and $16 billion a year we can’t afford to leave decisions on reducing this burden to chance. As alcohol consumption on the increase it is wise to consider the decision-making processes on alcohol laws and Williams applauds the Law Commission for putting this proposal forward now.

Commercial interests have been placed above the health and safety of New Zealanders, their families and their communities for too long. Alcohol is a primary public health issue and the out-dated conscience voting system has served to limit our ability to respond effectively to the harms associated with its use. It is time to bring the decision making process into 21st century and base decisions on the best available evidence for reducing harm and protecting individuals, families and communities.

The Law Commission Review presents a wonderful opportunity for us to reflect on the place alcohol has in our society and whether we consider it appropriate for a psycho-active drug to be so freely available, aggressively promoted and cheap.

Also:

Action on Liquor see www.ahw.org.nz for policy briefing papers on key liquor issues: Including Warning Labels, taxation, sale of liquor, advertising, blood alcohol concentration for driving and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

References:
Review of Regulatory Framework for the Sale and Supply of Liquor - Part 1. Alcohol Legislation and the Conscience Vote
http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/ProjectReport.aspx?ProjectID=154

ENDS

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