MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release. Wednesday April 28, 2010

Don’t stop at tobacco tax say Sallies.

The Salvation Army applauds Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia’s efforts to pass into law a bill to raise tax on tobacco, saving hundreds of lives, and hopes the Government will have the courage to do the same for alcohol.

The Salvation Army’s submission to the Law Commission’s review of sale of liquor laws advocated an increase in excise duties on mid and high-strength liquor and the removal of duties on low-strength liquor.

“We hope a government willing to recognise the harm tobacco causes will have the courage to more heavily tax alcohol which has even wider community costs and detriments,” says Salvation Army spokesperson Major Campbell Roberts.

The Law Commission report 'Alcohol in Our Lives' noted that international evidence showed that price was one of the most effective policies to combat alcohol-related harm.

The Salvation Army made a number of other recommendations in its submission to the Law Commission.

The Salvation Army’s three recent reports on New Zealand’s harmful drinking culture are online at www.salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy

ends

© Scoop Media