> download the July 2012 edition of the Public Sphere newsletter (PDF, 180KB)
When the Alcohol Reform Bill finally passes into law it will be interesting to see what actually gets reformed—if anything at all. And it will also show whether Parliament is keeping in step with public opinion around this thorny issue. New Zealand has a long and troubled history around binge drinking, and the politics of alcohol law reform has made careers—and ruined many others—so it’s understandable MPs are reticent making a stand on this issue.
The Bill is currently at select committee stage but sits 45th on Parliament’s order of business, so it could be August or September before it is passed. The Prime Minister has recently stated that he thinks any changes to pricing will have little impact on drinking habits. Early indications from MPs show that there are a number on both sides of the House who are leaning towards a vote to keep the purchasing age at 18. But on the other hand, the general public seem quite comfortable with legislation
making it harder for people to access alcohol, particularly youth.
A recent poll in the New Zealand Herald shows at least 80 per cent want some form of increase to the purchasing age. Research is coming to light showing the pricing of alcohol does in fact alter people’s habits.
Major Campbell Roberts (Director Social Policy & Parliamentary Unit)