Alcohol Help

The New Zealand Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) is reminding pregnant women and those women planning to become pregnant to avoid all alcohol. The advice comes on the eve of World Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness day (9 September).

“Drinking at any time during pregnancy may affect the normal development of the fetus,” says ALAC Early Intervention Manager Sue Paton. “If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the best advice is to avoid alcohol.

“Many women believe one or two drinks occasionally couldn’t possibly hurt the unborn baby but in fact there is no known safe level of consumption of alcohol for pregnant women,” she said.

“Even small amounts of alcohol consumed at any time during pregnancy can cause harm to the baby including developmental delay, physical, emotional and behavioural problems and learning disabilities. The consequences of FASD (the term used to describe the range of effects) are life-long for the child and their family,” she said.

Ms Paton said ALAC had recently revised its New Zealand Drinking and your baby pamphlet which provides advice on why it’s important not to drink alcohol while pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

“For pregnant women who are struggling to stop drinking, the pamphlet suggests they contact their doctor or midwife or call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 for advice and support.

“Partners and other family members can also have a really important role in supporting pregnant women to give up drinking during pregnancy,” said Ms Paton.

The resource is available in English, Māori, Tongan, Samoan, Fijian, Tokelauan, Cook Island Māori and Niuean and can be ordered by free phone 0508 258 258.

For further information or comment contact ALAC Communications Manager Lynne Walsh on 021 369 081.

Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand

Six hundred and sixty six, a number normally associated with Hollywood images of horror but for one Waikato driver it was the number heralding his sixth charge for excess breath alcohol.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said of the 27 drivers found behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol over the weekend, 10 were female and 17 were male.

“And its mature drivers who are of particular concern, the highest level recorded was that of a 52-year-old man who returned a result of 1021mgms at Te Aroha while the highest reading for a female was a woman who had a result of 705mgms.

“Three men, aged 40, 42 and 50, were charged with third or subsequent excess breath alcohol after each was found to be driving under the influence for the fourth time while a 29-year-old man returned a result of 666mgms and was charged for his sixth offence.”

“Obviously that result (666) will attract some commentary but the risk posed by these drivers is no laughing matter and 27 intoxicated drivers apprehended is far, far too many.”

The 27 arrests resulted from 3353 drivers being breath tested on Friday and 2820 drivers on Saturday. In addition New Zealand Police are awaiting blood test results from two other drivers while one was arrested for refusing to be tested altogether.

Other arrests from the drink driving checkpoints included a driver being arrested for breach of bail, two others arrested for driving while disqualified and driving while suspended.

In addition two men were arrested on drugs and weapons charges after their vehicle was stopped after fleeing a checkpoint in Hamilton.

A knife, knuckle duster, ecstasy tablets and 3gms of methamphetamine were among the items recovered and further charges are likely.

“Clearly the messages of the risks posed by driving under the influence of alcohol are not sinking in with our mature audience.

“Often Police encounter an attitude from mature drivers that it is the young boy or girl racers who pose the risk on our roads, not me; ‘I’ve been driving for 20-30 years.’ But clearly, as the results have shown, mature age is no guarantee of mature behaviour.”

New Zealand Police

Alcohol appears to have been a factor that contributed to the death of a Hamilton pedestrian killed on a central city street early this morning.

Waikato Police District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said emergency services were called to the scene of the incident on Thackeray St, near the Anglesea Medical Centre, about 3.30am.

“The incident is still under investigation by both the Serious Crash Unit and the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit, however initial indications are our victim, a 27-year-old Hamilton man, was seen by witnesses to wander out on to the road.

“The man has reached the middle of the road and then stepped into the path of an oncoming taxi van where he was struck down and dragged a short distance by the vehicle.”

Mr Tooman said staff from the adjacent medical centre were quickly on the scene however the man died of his injuries despite efforts to resuscitate him.

“We understand the man had been drinking in the City earlier however we are awaiting the results of toxicology tests before this is confirmed.

“Two things that are confirmed however is that this latest death is the seventh on Hamilton City streets this year and it is also the seventh pedestrian fatality in our District.”

With sizeable numbers of revellers expected in Hamilton before and after this evening’s Rugby World Cup match between Wales and Fiji, Police are urging fans to drink Alcohol responsibly.

“After the last Sunday match fans were in good form, enjoying drinks but also having a meal, the vibe was very positive and we would like people to continue this theme.

“We would also ask that patrons act responsibly in terms of arranging how to get home, think about saving that last $20 for a taxi fare instead of another round of drinks or consider taking public transport.”

Mr Tooman said people weren’t under any obligation to stay in bars till closing time, they can go home earlier while still maintaining their situational awareness.

“If we drink responsibly and make good decisions including how to get home safely we’ll all be around to reflect on a successful World Cup campaign over the forthcoming summer.”

New Zealand Police

The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) is reminding pregnant women and those women planning to become pregnant to avoid all alcohol. The advice comes on the eve of World Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) awareness day (9 September).

“Drinking at any time during pregnancy may affect the normal development of the fetus,” says ALAC Early Intervention Manager Sue Paton. “If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, the best advice is to avoid alcohol.

“Many women believe one or two drinks occasionally couldn’t possibly hurt the unborn baby but in fact there is no known safe level of consumption of alcohol for pregnant women,” she said.

“Even small amounts of alcohol consumed at any time during pregnancy can cause harm to the baby including developmental delay, physical, emotional and behavioural problems and learning disabilities. The consequences of FASD (the term used to describe the range of effects) are life-long for the child and their family,” she said.

Ms Paton said ALAC had recently revised its Drinking and your baby pamphlet which provides advice on why it’s important not to drink alcohol while pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

“For pregnant women who are struggling to stop drinking, the pamphlet suggests they contact their doctor or midwife or call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 for advice and support.

“Partners and other family members can also have a really important role in supporting pregnant women to give up drinking during pregnancy,” said Ms Paton.

The Alcohol Advisory Council

The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) has welcomed the report back of the Government’s Alcohol Reform Bill.

The Bill, which was reported back to Parliament today from the Justice and Electoral select committee, follows the Law Commission’s extensive review of New Zealand’s liquor laws and a lengthy select committee process in which the committee sat for over 90 hours and dealt with many thousands of submissions.

ALAC Chief Executive Officer Gerard Vaughan said the new initiatives strengthened the bill in some areas. He welcomed the new clauses requiring supermarkets and grocery stores to display alcohol and associated advertising in a single non-prominent area.

“Currently alcohol is being sold as if it’s a convenience item, next to milk and other household products; it’s often positioned near the entrance, the checkouts, beside commonly purchased household goods, or in other areas where shoppers must walk,” he said. “It is being treated as an ordinary commodity, despite what we know about the harms it can cause.”

Mr Vaughan welcomed the moves to collect New Zealand sales data from alcohol retailers.

“We have a problem in New Zealand with the sale of really cheap alcohol,” he said. “Cheaper alcohol tends to be bought more by harmful drinkers than moderate drinkers and studies show that it is also attractive to young people.”

“The use of price to reduce alcohol-related harm is one of the most evidence-based and internationally well-accepted strategies. Raising alcohol prices generally reduces consumption and consequently harm, especially in some ‘at risk’ population groups.”

Mr Vaughan said the sales data could be used to analyse what would be the best mechanism to target that very cheap alcohol, for example through a minimum price mechanism.

Mr Vaughan said the provisions strengthening the existing offence of promotion of excessive consumption of alcohol by making it apply to any business selling or promoting alcohol, and prohibiting a wider range of promotions, such as advertising free alcohol, were welcomed.

“What is also particularly welcome is Minister Simon Power’s announcement that the Government recognised that people wanted more action on alcohol advertising and his setting up of an expert panel to look at current research and international developments around alcohol advertising,” Mr Vaughan said.

Since the last review of alcohol advertising in 2007, further substantial research had been done that supported ALAC’s advice on the need to restrict alcohol exposure particularly to children and young people.

“A 2009 review of the impact of alcohol advertising and media exposure on future adolescent alcohol use found exposure to media and commercial communications on alcohol was associated with the likelihood that adolescents will start to drink alcohol, and with increased drinking among those who already drink.

“This provides strong evidence to argue that young people should not be exposed to alcohol advertising, sales promotions and sponsorship.

“Measures to restrict exposure would contribute greatly to reducing the age of onset of drinking for many young people and, as we know, the earlier young people start drinking the greater risk of harm later in life.”

Mr Vaughan welcomed the announcement of an extra $10 million a year for treatment.

“New Zealand has a very high level of acute alcohol-related harm compared to other countries. Acute alcohol-related harm is typically caused by drinking large amounts of alcohol on one occasion or ‘binge drinking’. New Zealand alcohol use surveys consistently find that approximately 25 percent of New Zealanders aged 16-64 years who drink, consume large amounts of alcohol on a typical drinking occasion.

“There is substantial overseas evidence, and a growing New Zealand evidence base, to show that treatment options such as alcohol screening and brief intervention are effective in a range of settings”.

ALAC supported the measures in the Bill giving communities the ability to control how alcohol is managed in their neighbourhood: the strengthening of the rules over provision of alcohol to minors; the restrictions on access and availability of alcohol through cutting back on opening hours and types of stores that can hold a licence; and the strengthening of the existing offence of promotion of excessive consumption of alcohol.

“The proliferation of alcohol outlets, the trend towards 24 hour licensing and the increased affordability of alcohol have increased the overall availability and accessibility of alcohol and is contributing to increasing alcohol-related harm including night-time disorder, crime and violence,” Mr Vaughan said.

Licences are too easy to get, as the grounds for objecting to applications are too narrow. Communities are finding they have little or no say in the process for granting or declining liquor licences. Alcohol outlets concentrated in particular areas and longer opening hours lead to increased risk of alcohol-related harm.”

The provision for local alcohol plans would give communities a say in the location, opening hours, operating conditions and density of liquor outlets in their neighbourhoods.

“We will work with Local Government NZ on the implementation of the local alcohol plans.”

Mr Vaughan said ALAC had advised a purchase age of 20 and was aware that this aspect of the decision making on the Bill was likely to be a conscience vote.

Mr Vaughan said overall the Bill was an important move to getting some of the laws right around the sale and supply of alcohol and that the announcement today also signalled further work, particularly in the areas of price and marketing.

For further information or comment contact ALAC Communications Manager Lynne Walsh on 021 369 081.

Alcohol Advisory Council

Starting as they mean to continue is the driver behind a Waikato road policing initiative designed at reducing road trauma amongst the region’s newest drivers.

District Road Policing Manager, Inspector Leo Tooman, said new legislation coming into effect from 7 August meant the new blood alcohol limit for drivers under 20 is zero and that Police will be enforcing these new limits from that date.

“Currently the Waikato Police District Road toll is 31 deaths from 27 crashes, 11 more than the next highest road toll in Central District and is the same number for the same period last year.

“Of those 27 crashes eight involved alcohol, drugs or both as contributing factors while 10 of the crashes, which claimed the lives of 12 people, involved drivers aged under 21.”

Mr Tooman said the issue was all the more topical given a Coronial hearing into a triple fatality crash in Waihi, involving a young driver alleged to have been under the influence of alcohol, was held in Hamilton this week.

“In line with the lowered alcohol limit the age drivers can obtain a licence rose on 1 August from 15 to 16-years-old.

“It’s all about reducing road trauma and trying to buy our newest road users some time to build up their experience and skill levels, even small amounts of alcohol can impair the ability of young drivers who are still trying to develop their skills on the road.”.

New Zealand Police

From 7th August 2011 the new blood alcohol level for drivers under 20 years of age is zero. Police will be enforcing these new limits from that date.

Drivers under 20 with a blood alcohol concentration between 0.00 and 0.03 or an equivalent breath alcohol reading of between 0 and 150 (the current legal limit for under 20s) will receive an infringement. The penalty will be an infringement fee of $200 and 50 demerit points. Young drivers with a blood/breath alcohol concentration over 0.03 or 150 will be subject to the same drink drive penalties as they are now.

The age in which a young person can obtain a drivers licence has also been raised from 15 to 16 years from 1st August 2011.

“Young drivers are more vulnerable to alcohol and to making errors while driving after drinking. This legislation is intended to remove any doubt about what is a safe level,” says Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Holmes of the Western Bay of Plenty Road Policing Unit.

“This year alone, 172 young drivers in the Western Bay of Plenty aged between 15-19yrs have been charged with drink driving offences.

“The Bay of Plenty has the second highest number of drink driving apprehensions in New Zealand and this is not a record that we should be proud off.

“Last year 13 people died on Western Bay of Plenty roads and excess alcohol was a contributing factor in eight of these deaths.

“The challenge is now for the community to work together alongside Police to reduce this problem.”

Acting Senior Sergeant Holmes says the new legislation also provides stronger legislation to remove recidivist drink drivers from the roads.

“It is intended to make everyone safer by removing drinking drivers from the roads but it is, as always, down to each individual to take responsibility for themselves.

“If you are stopped you can be expected to be breath tested and if you are drink driving you can expect to be held accountable.”

New Zealand Police

The Porirua Salvation Army is opposing the renewal of a liquor license for a Cannons Creek bottle store, saying the negative impacts of its operation are a danger to its clients and the wider community.

Porirua Salvation Army social service centre manager Major Ray Gordon says the Fantame Liquor Store is located close to Salvation Army emergency housing accommodating up to nine women and their children. Some of these families have fled abusive domestic situations where alcohol has been a major aggravating factor, he says.

The liquor store’s 9am to midnight trading hours has led to many of the shop’s customers drinking in the vicinity and into the early hours of the morning.

“Drunken altercations and rowdy behaviour are fairly common,” Major Gordon says. “For women and children who have been traumatised, with alcohol abuse often a root cause, having the bottle store and a constant flow of customers 15 hours a day can be very distressing.”

Occasionally, women staying at the houses are waiting for placement for addiction treatment and the bottle store and its clientele are not conducive to staying sober, he says.

For many other Salvation Army social service clients seeking food, budget advice or counselling, the easy access of alcohol in Porirua and its abuse is an underlying reason for them seeking help, Major Gordon says.

“A parent with an alcohol problem can wreak havoc on the family budget, children can be neglected or abused and there are often long-term psychological scars,” he says.

The Salvation Army has made a range of submissions to Government on what it sees as shortcomings of the Alcohol Reform Bill, and suggested remedies. These include the need to give the public a greater and better defined voice in the granting and renewal of liquor licenses and input into local authorities’ liquor plans.

The most effective measure to reduce alcohol consumption by young people and heavy drinkers – increasing alcohol excise – has already been sidelined by the Government. This measure is viewed by the World Health Organisation as the most cost-effective method of reducing alcohol consumption by young and heavy drinkers.

The Salvation Army is supporting Russell School’s celebration of Cannons Creek as a caring community and for the need to provide a safe environment for local children. The school is holding a community event, including a public action opposing the liquor licence renewal, on Tuesday, July 26 outside the school on Fantame Street from 4.30pm.

Issued on the Authority of Major Rod Carey (Central Divisional Commander)
The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory

scoop nz

It’s irresponsible for a superette to rely on a 15-year-old employee to make judgement calls round the sale of alcohol to teenagers, says Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) Environments and Settings manager Andrew Galloway.

Mr Galloway was commenting on a Controlled Purchase Operation (CPO) in the Kapiti/Otaki area last weekend where a 15-year-old employee of a superette sold alcohol twice to CPO volunteers.

Mr Galloway said while it was legal for the superette who held an off-licence to employ a 15-year-old who might have to sell alcohol along with other convenience store items as long as the premises did not have a restricted designation, it was unfair to expect the teenager to have the experience or possibly the confidence to challenge other teenagers for identification.

A 15-year-old in that position would also find it challenging to refuse alcohol service to patrons who may already be intoxicated and be attempting to purchase further liquor. “The sale of liquor is a challenging and serious responsibility and should be carefully supervised by confident and responsible retailers, preferably under the supervision of a certificated duty manager.”

Mr Galloway said the system supermarkets employed where a manager had to authorise any alcohol sales although not foolproof would give protection to young employees.

Mr Galloway said anyone who sold alcohol to a minor could face a fine of up to $2000. “The duty manager may also face sanctions and the licence is put in jeopardy in cases such as this. This can have dire consequences for the business. Worse still, liquor can end up in the hands of people that the law says shouldn’t be buying it. It’s in everyone’s best interest that the sale of liquor is managed carefully.”

The Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC)

The Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) has welcomed the alcohol industry’s recognition that consumer information messages should be placed on alcohol products.

New Zealand brewer Lion Nathan announced today that it is planning to introduce health warnings on its Alcohol drinks. This follows a similar move announced yesterday by DrinkWise Australia which said its members would put consumer information messages on its products. DrinkWise said the voluntary move would see 80 percent of alcoholic drinks in Australia labelled with the warnings.

Alcohol Advisory Council Chief Executive Officer Gerard Vaughan said the move was a “good first step”.

“We are pleased the industry is acknowledging that its products can cause harm and are providing consumer information to educate the public,” Mr Vaughan said.

“However, ALAC favours mandatory rather than voluntary health warning labels and would like to see messages developed as part of a scientific and evidence based process to ensure the messages are clear and unambiguous.”

Mr Vaughan said ALAC currently had an application before the trans Tasman agency responsible for food labelling, seeking to have health warning labels on alcohol products warning of the dangers of drinking while pregnant.

“Our advice is that pregnant women or those planning to get pregnant should not drink alcohol and any health advisory labels should reflect that message clearly.”

Mr Vaughan said it was good that the industry acknowledged that health advisory warnings on alcohol products needed to be part of a broader and comprehensive campaign.

“While there is a lack of evidence on the efficacy of health advisory labels for changing behaviour when used in isolation; however there is some evidence that they can lead to an increase in awareness of the message contained when part of a comprehensive approach to reducing alcohol harm.

“To be effective health advisory labels need to be backed by consistent advice from doctors and also significant policy changes.”

The Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC)