Our first report in the project was published in May 2009, Alcohol Legislation and the Conscience Vote (NZLC R106).  We looked at the historical practice of conscience voting in parliament and its application to liquor legislation.  We concluded that conscience voting has been unhelpful in providing coherent and effective liquor law.  This conclusion confirms views expressed by informed commentators such as the Police, ALAC, the New Zealand Drug Foundation and health professionals as well as various Members of Parliament.

We suggest that the more stable and predictable party-based voting system would encourage an evidence based approach to legislation in this area,  This is the standard way in which Parliament has dealt with issues of comparable importance such as law relating to drugs.

The regulation of alcohol is a very important social issue, but also a politically divisive one, and the decision on whether to adopt a conscience vote is one for each party caucus to make, not the executive.  Our report encourages all political parties to consider carefully the best way to ensure effective legislation is passed.

Our second publication is Alcohol in our Lives (NZLC IP15) published 30 July 2009.  This consultation paper outlines the problems and benefits associated with alcohol consumption in New Zealand.  The paper describes the wide range of harm that comes from excessive drinking, including personal breakdown, antisocial behaviour, costs for health and accident compensation services, and its impact on our criminal justice system.  It sets out a range of preliminary ideas for reform and we want to hear views on these proposals from as many people as possible.

Of particular concern is the strong evidence of risks for young people from early and high volume drinking.
    “I often comment when sitting in the Youth Court that if I only had to
    deal with young offenders who offended whilst sober, I would have
    very, very little work to do.  That is a chilling statement to make
    when most of the young people I see are 14 and 15 years of age.” 
    Judge McMeeken, Christchurch Family and Youth Court Judge

The Sale of Liquor project will take full advantage of our new interactive website, www.talklaw.co.nz, launched in early June.  This makes it easy to access the report and questions, to give feedback electronically on the ideas for change or download a submission form, and to attend the public consultation meetings that will be held in five main centres.  We have also published a separate Summary of the Issues Paper Alcohol in our Lives for the convenience of those interested in making a submission.

There will be three months for public submissions, with a closing date of 30 October 2009.