Alcohol Healthwatch Media Release, 9 November 2010

Two good reasons to engage in the Alcohol Law Reform process

Alcohol Healthwatch is welcoming the introduction of the Government’s Alcohol Reform Bill and looks forward to the upcoming Select Committee process.

Alcohol Healthwatch Director Rebecca Williams is strongly encouraging communities to prepare to engage in the public consultation process for two main reasons.

“Firstly it is important to strengthen and protect what is currently in the Bill including the measures around community say in alcohol licensing.

“Secondly it is important to call on the Government to reconsider the Law Commission’s recommendations on the pricing and marketing of alcohol.”

Ms Williams says that the most effective measures proven to reduce alcohol-related harm have not been included in the Bill.

“The evidence clearly shows that increasing the price and restricting alcohol marketing will reduce heavier drinking and youth drinking.

“Lowering the Blood Alcohol Limit for adult drivers must also be part of the way forward.”

At the Alcohol Healthwatch Alcohol Law Reform Forum last week Minister Power indicated the Government is prepared to listen when he said the Bill is “Parliament's starting point for alcohol reform – not the end point.”

The large majority of participants at the forum called for the law reform process to include stronger measures to address alcohol pricing, marketing and drink-driving.

Ms Williams says community engagement in this process will ensure we do actually get the best start possible.

“We need a solid foundation of effective measures on which to build for the future.”

ENDS

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