Blog

The recently published WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2011 is a further milestone in the Organisation’s efforts to monitor alcohol consumption, alcohol-related harm and policy responses worldwide.

Including information spanning 2004-2010, the Report’s three sections provide comparable global information on alcohol consumption, consequences of the harmful use of alcohol, and the policy responses.

The Law Commission Report Alcohol in Our Lives – Curbing the Harm was published at the end of April. The Law Commission held meetings and consultations all over New Zealand and received 2,939 submissions, more than any other project in the 24 year history of the Law Commission. Launching the final report, Sir Geoffrey Palmer said, “Those who enjoy alcohol socially and drink in a low risk manner will be little affected by the Law Commission’s recommendations.

A successful student-led open forum, focussing on the “Is It Worth It?” campaign which addresses youth12-24 years of age. access to alcohol, was held in Whangarei earlier this year. 

By Veronica Marwitz, Education & Research Manager, Rape Prevention Education

When communities work together, sexual violence can be prevented. In New Zealand, it is estimated that as many as 1 in 4 females and 1 in 8 males are likely to experience sexual violence in their lifetimes. This comes at a huge expense to our country as the cost of sexual violence is about $72,000 per incident (total $1.2 billion in 2003-04[1]).

An ALAC resource for young people is making its presence felt on the international stage.  Countries as diverse as Cameroon, Zambia, Portugal, Chile and Canada have approached ALAC asking for permission to use Smashed n Stoned?.  Sue Paton, Early Intervention Manager says “I put the first booklet on the Global Alcohol Harm Reduction Network a few months ago.  Since then I’ve been approached by clinicians from four African countries, Pakistan, Portugal, Chile and a group of First Nation Canadians asking for permission to use the resource in their mahi.  It is great to think that what we are producing here is perceived as helpful in so many far flung nations.”

There have been a few recent decisions of the Liquor Licensing Authority (LLALiquor Licensing Authority) that are changing the face of liquor enforcement and liquor licensing issues across New Zealand. ALAC congratulates the LLA, for what seems to be a changing attitude towards the issuing of licences and dealing with enforcement applications, in light of the heightened public conversation regarding alcohol related harm and liquor abuse issues across New Zealand.

The Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has issued guidelines for reducing Australians' lifetime risk of alcohol-related injury or disease. For both sexes, two standard drinks a day over a lifetime is the limit to keep that risk below a one-in-100 chance of dying as a result of drinking.

The recent history of alcohol law reform has seen the lowering of the alcohol purchase age from 20 years to 18 years, the increasing proliferation of supermarkets and dairies selling wine and beer, Sunday trading and longer opening hours for licensed premises. A comprehensive review of the sale and supply of liquor was announced in August 2008. The review is being conducted by the Law Commission. President of the Law Commission, Rt Hon Sir Geoffrey Palmer is overseeing the process. Sir Geoffrey says, “the Law Commission will conduct this review with vigour and energy.”