The Government will have a raft of Law Commission recommendations to consider when it overhauls liquor laws later this year.They include a 50 percent hike in excise tax, a ban on off-licence sales after 10pm, raising the drinking age from 18 to 20 and no
The Government will have a raft of Law Commission recommendations to consider when it overhauls liquor laws later this year.
They include a 50 percent hike in excise tax, a ban on off-licence sales after 10pm, raising the drinking age from 18 to 20 and no one allowed to enter bars and nightclubs after 2am, according to leaks reported by Kiwiblog.
The Law Commission's report is due to be released on Tuesday, and Justice Minister Simon Power wouldn't comment yesterday.
But by late last night the reported recommendations had not been challenged, and Finance Minister Bill English indicated he knew about the excise hike proposal.
Labour's justice spokeswoman, Lianne Dalziel, also refused comment but said she backed the "five-plus solution" being promoted by the head of the National Addiction Centre, Professor Doug Sellman.
The solution recommended raising alcohol prices, raising the purchase age, reducing alcohol accessibility, reducing marketing and advertising, plus increased treatment opportunities for heavy drinkers.
All those points appear to be reflected in the Law Commission report.
Ms Dalziel urged a mature and thoughtful debate about alcohol issues.
"Debate on alcohol has historically been restricted for a number of reasons, including self-interest, a lack of political will, and the huge diversity of opinion across the country," she said.
"There are a huge number of issues which New Zealanders and all political parties need to take a position on...I hope political parties encourage national debate and listen to that debate."
Ms Dalziel said Labour would work alongside other parties where it could.
"New Zealand will not develop a culture around alcohol that works for the benefit of society if we are not prepared to be politically courageous," she said.
"It is essential that we are."
