The Salvation Army responds to Minister McKee’s shift in alcohol reform focus

The Salvation Army is deeply concerned by information in a leaked Cabinet paper indicating the government’s shift from reducing harm to reducing red tape in alcohol reform priorities.

“Every day, our frontline teams see the devastating impact alcohol has on individuals, families, and communities,” says Dr Bonnie Robinson, Director of the Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit. “We support people dealing with addiction, violence, poverty, and homelessness – all of which are made worse by easy access to alcohol.”

Evidence is clear: reducing the availability of alcohol through shorter trading hours and fewer off-licences leads to less harm. Alcohol-related harm costs New Zealand an estimated $9.1 billion each year, a staggering figure in a time of fiscal constraint, when we are told there is not enough funding for essential services like healthcare and education.

The Salvation Army is particularly concerned about the impact on vulnerable communities, where alcohol outlets are often concentrated. These communities already bear the brunt of alcohol harm and need protection, not policies that make alcohol even more accessible.

We urge Minister McKee to refocus her reforms on what matters most: reducing harm and protecting people.

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The Salvation Army Territorial Media Officer, 021 945 337, email: media@salvationarmy.org.nz (The Media Officer responds to enquiries from media outlets and journalists. If you would like to donate, are in need of help, or have some other non-media-related enquiry, please call 0800 53 00 00.)