It is interesting to observe the debate around reducing the legal alcohol limit for drivers. The Government is suggesting that two years of information gathering is necessary before the public can be convinced of the value of the change. Opinion polls and lobby groups suggest that the government has underestimated the strength of public opinion in favour of the change.
The government has indicated that the likely law changes are:
- Raising the buying age at off-licences to 20 and leaving the on-licence purchase age at 18
- Greater powers for the police to deal with drunk and disorderly behaviour
- Greater powers for communities to veto liquor licences
- Reducing liquor trading hours
One can only assume that the reason for not changing the legal drinking age now is the strength of the liquor industry lobby. Whatever the reason and whatever the result, it is clear that host responsibility will become even more important in the near future.
The proposed changes have received a lot of press time. These links are to the press statements of some of the industry stakeholders.
Hospitality Association
NZ Retailers Association
Restaurant Association
