Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill

We strongly support the objectives of the Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill. While we have concerns about the ‘ad hoc’ approach to this bill, we recognize that this stems from its omnibus nature, whereby it seeks to make amendments to 3 separate acts relating to liquor. 

Any amendments to existing legislation must be seen in the context of a more comprehensive approach to alcohol related harm and the management of alcohol in New Zealand. We therefore strongly welcome the Law Commission review as an opportunity to address broader alcohol issues, many of which fall outside the parameters of the 3 acts which the proposed bill seeks to amend. For instance, issues relating to pricing, tax and drinking age are not considered in this bill. While the New Zealand Drug Foundation has strong views on these issues, we have not sought to advance these in this submission. This bill tackles what can be done immediately to help limit the harm caused by alcohol and we see definite value in progressing this bill without delay. We believe that it will be complemented by the Law Commission’s first-principles review of the entire regulatory framework for the sale and supply of liquor.

We recommend a small number of changes that we believe will significantly strengthen this bill, which addresses those pressing issues on which there is already a level of consensus. We strongly encourage all members of Parliament to support the bill. We look forward to the opportunity to comment on broader alcohol issues during the Law Commission review.