New Zealanders are calling time on the alcohol industry's influence and supporting stronger safeguards to protect health—especially for children.
A the results of a new independent poll, published by the Public Health Communication Centre, show overwhelming support for tighter safeguards on how alcohol is sold and marketed. Clear majorities support firm limits on key problems such as the price of cheap alcohol, online deliveries, and industry involvement in policy making. Nearly 80% back a ban on alcohol ads seen by children.
“Alcohol is the most harmful drug in Aotearoa, but it’s marketed like a harmless treat,” says Karen Wright, Health Coalition Aotearoa. “Our legislation is outdated and is maintaining large inequities in harm. People are saying enough is enough. They back action to protect children, whānau and communities from alcohol harm.”
The majority support making alcohol less available
81% agree online alcohol deliveries should have to follow the same checks as bars and stores
76% agreed with neighbourhood limits on the number of places selling alcohol
58% support returning the alcohol purchase age to 20 years old
The majority support removing industry from policymaking and telling the truth about alcohol harms
The majority support safeguards against alcohol advertising
80% back a ban on alcohol ads seen by children
62% support a ban on all alcohol advertising and sponsorship
68% agree sporting organisations should be supported to move away from alcohol sponsorship
Support for making alcohol less affordable
58% agree cheap alcohol should not be sold below a certain price
47% agree the Government should increase the price of alcohol by 10% and use that money for alcohol treatment services and harm prevention. A further 11% were unsure.
The poll shows strong support for the three areas known to reduce alcohol consumption and harm for communities - safeguards for affordability, availability and advertising. Successive New Zealand Governments have not implemented long-standing recommendations to address these issues. Instead they have made disappointing, minor tweaks to the law governing alcohol.
“The people of Aotearoa are ready for change. Now it’s up to the Government to act,” says Steve Randerson, Health Coalition Aotearoa. “As a country we have done this before with tobacco, when the Government brought in sensible safeguards around tobacco marketing. The public supports similar action for alcohol marketing, which would benefit young people and those trying to cut down or stop drinking.”
Alcohol causes a broad range of harms to the consumer, whānau and communities. Alcohol fuels violence and causes at least seven types of cancer. It also causes lifelong brain injury to babies exposed during pregnancy - and many other harms to health and society. It’s also deeply woven into everyday life, from rugby matches to music festivals—thanks to relentless industry marketing.
“Alcohol companies spend millions telling us drinking is fun, sexy and essential. But the ads don’t tell us it causes cancer,” says Steve Randerson. “Our children deserve better. So do we.”
The cost of replacing alcohol sponsorship in sport is relatively low—just $10–12 million per year, or 5–6% of total sponsorship revenue. '
“This is a fixable problem,” says Karen Wright. “New Zealanders want politicians to put people before profits. Solutions to reduce harms must not be influenced by an industry motivated by sales and profit. It’s time to overhaul our alcohol laws to protect our children and those most impacted by harm.”
Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling time and urges the Government to act on the clear public mandate and introduce evidence-based reforms to reduce alcohol harm across Aotearoa.
