Evidence confirms the link between crime and the density of liquor outlets

Alcohol Healthwatch is pleased to see the release of a New Zealand study outlining the link between the level of alcohol-related harm in the community and the number of liquor outlets.

The research, commissioned and funded by the Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC), was carried out in Manukau City and found that a higher liquor outlet density of both on and off-licenses was associated with increased levels of violence, other crime and road crashes.

Director of Alcohol Healthwatch, Rebecca Williams, says the outcomes of the research come as no surprise, as local communities have been pointing this problem out for years now.

“It is great to see scientific evidence validate community concerns. Since the liberalisation of alcohol laws began in 1989 we have seen an unprecedented proliferation of liquor outlets in New Zealand resulting in increased violent crime, vehicle crashes and youth drinking.”

Liquor outlets opening near sensitive community facilities such as schools, preschools, churches, Marae and parks have repeatedly caused considerable outrage from affected residents who are dismayed at their inability to contest the licence.

Alcohol Healthwatch strongly endorses efforts to improve public participation in the licensing process.

“The licensing process and conditions attached to licences can be powerful tools for reducing alcohol-related harm. We anticipate strong recommendations from the Law Commission next week when it releases its report on the review of liquor laws. We believe it has heard community concerns loud and clear and will recommend mechanisms for improved community input in licensing matters,” Williams says.

“It is imperative that the government then builds strong legislation that enables the community to influence what happens with liquor outlets in their neighbourhood.”

Visit alac.org.nz to read the summary report of the research.

ENDS

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