Progress, but more to be done

Waina Emery. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Clendon woman Waina Emery, who has led protest marches against the proliferation of liquor outlets across her community, was celebrating yesterday.

Among the Government's measures were moves to give local communities more influence on liquor control issues, something Mrs Emery said made her very happy.

"This is a start and we've still got a ways to go but after all of this it seems that the politicians may just be listening to us in trying to keep our community safe."

But while that aspect of the package has been welcomed widely, the Government faces criticism for watering down the Law Commission's suite of measures totackle New Zealand's alcohol problems.

Labour leader Phil Goff said he wanted the commission's full set of recommendations, including an increase in alcohol excise and tougher rules on advertising.

He said evidence showed that increasing the price had an effect on alcohol consumption "and the Government's chosen to ignoreit".

Proposals concerning parental consent for younger drinkers at social gatherings presented "practical difficulties" and were "more a statement of good intentions rather than something they will easily be able to put into place", Mr Goff said.

Green Party alcohol spokeswoman Sue Kedgley slated the package as "spineless" and accused the Government of allowing itself to be heavily influenced by the liquor industry.

"While we support the steps the Government is proposing to take and will be voting for the legislation, we will be fighting tooth and nail to amend and strengthen it - particularly around advertising and price."

The Salvation Army said the overall package missed the mark and "means any real reform of New Zealand's appalling and costly drinking culture is seriously compromised".

Major Campbell Roberts said: "Without an increase in excise tax, a lowering of the blood alcohol level and more attention to the marketing and advertising of alcohol, the tragic reality is New Zealanders will continue to suffer and die, and the taxpayer will continue to pay the third-party health, social and criminal costs for the alcohol industry."