Time for action

The Law Commission’s recommendations for changing New Zealand’s alcohol laws are likely to be a prime focus at tomorrow’s Alcohol Advisory Council’s (ALAC) Working Together Conference in Manukau City.

Commission President Rt. Hon. Sir Geoffrey Palmer is a key note presenter and will take questions from the almost 300 delegates who are expected to attend.

Sir Geoffrey is expected to take the opportunity to respond to criticism of the recommendations. He addresses the conference tomorrow afternoon.

The Commission’s report runs to more than 150 recommendations, which he urged the Government to consider as a total package. However, the Government has already said a recommendation calling for a 50 percent increase in the excise tax on alcohol was unlikely. The Government has 120 days to respond to the Commission’s recommendations.

Associate Health Minister Hon. Peter Dunne is the first keynote address on Thursday May 6. Mr Dunne will also take questions from the floor. Other keynote speakers on day one include His Worship the Mayor of Manukau Len Brown and Sir Geoffrey.

“This is a historic time for those working to reduce alcohol harm in New Zealand,” said ALAC Chief Executive Officer Gerard Vaughan. “The conference’s theme is ‘Time for Action’ and that is what the almost 300 delegates from police, liquor licensing inspectors, public health and communities are demanding.”

The two conference is being held at the Telstraclear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City on Thursday May 6 and Friday May 7.

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