Problem drinkers endorse call to limit alcohol consumption

A study of problem drinkers’ attitudes released by The Salvation Army today adds to the calls for substantial reform of the sale of alcohol laws.

The study involved a survey of 138 people, in 20 focus groups across the country, who were receiving treatment at Salvation Army addiction treatment centres.

Participants say the overabundance of liquor outlets and the promotion of cheap liquor were among the main factors that contributed to their addictions.

They claim a reduction in the damage done by harmful drinking could be achieved if the Government legislated to increase the price and tax on alcohol reduce the number of liquor outlets, tighten controls on hours of sale, strengthen enforcement of liquor licensing and provide more, and a greater range, of addiction treatment services.

The group felt the increase in alcohol excise tax could be usefully applied to public education and addiction treatment.

Salvation Army spokesman Major Campbell Roberts says the groups’ contribution to the debate on the sale of alcohol is a significant one.

“These people have an acute and intimate understanding on how factors like the proliferation of liquor outlets and cheap alcohol and its promotion can impact on people, from their introduction to alcohol and down the line to problem drinking and dependence,” he said.

“There are clear and proven links between availability, price and advertising of liquor and alcohol consumption and The Salvation Army believes these people’s views on the issues add a human dimension to existing quantative research, and they need to be heard.”

While those surveyed said factors such as their state of mind and the influences of family and friends were instrumental in their problem drinking or alcohol addiction, the widespread availability of alcohol and long opening hours were major triggers that prompted their drinking.

Many noted that the conspicuous availability of alcohol in dairies and supermarkets sparked a desire to drink or prompted an impulse purchase. “How do you go shopping? You have to walk through the alcohol display to get into the supermarket,” one participant said. Another noted there were 21 liquor outlets within eight kilometres of his home.

Thirty-four percent of respondents bought their alcohol from supermarkets and 29 per cent from local liquor stores. Buying their alcohol from dairies and supermarkets was the first choice of women in the focus groups.

Also identified as triggers were liquor advertising, the close link between sport and alcohol, and particularly the discounting and promotion of alcoholic drinks. Some members noted a single can of ready-to-drink spirits and mixer costs less than a bottle of water.

The study is part of a three-part series of reports, undertaken by The Salvation Army, on the sale and use of alcohol in New Zealand. The first report, Excising Excess, recommended a sharp increase in the tax on alcohol, which according to comments by the Minister of Finance, may be included in the Law Commission’s report on sale and supply of liquor legislation to Parliament next week.

The focus group and survey results are available in a report, Under the Influence, available at: https://intranet.sarmy.net.nz/images/UndertheInfluence.pdf

ENDS

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