Forum pushes for alcohol advertising ban in NZ

Tougher alcohol advertising and sponsorship laws for sports clubs are needed in New Zealand, a ministerial forum has recommended.

A ministerial forum is calling for alcohol advertising and sponsorship for sports clubs and events to be banned

The group, headed by former rugby league coach and businessman Graham Lowe, has urged the government to ban alcohol sponsorship of sports clubs and any advertising of beers, wines and spirits during matches broadcast on TV.

A two-year inquiry led the forum to the conclusion that the total cost of alcohol-related harm in this country was “enough to justify further restrictions on alcohol advertising and sponsorship”.

Comprised of six people, the panel was founded by former justice minister Judith Collins as part of alcohol law reforms in 2012.

In its report, the forum noted there was no single drinking culture in New Zealand and many people drank responsibly.

Furthermore, it acknowledged alcohol advertising and sponsorship was just one factor in influencing consumption of alcohol.

However, the group highlighted the relation between exposure to alcohol promotions, an earlier age of initiations to drinking alcohol and increased consumption.

“In addition, we understand there is compelling evidence that early initiation to drinking alcohol and increased consumption are predictive of, and associated with, increased experience of alcohol-related harm,” it said.

A total of 14 recommendations were put forward by the forum, designed to reduce young peoples’ exposure to alcohol promotions.

These included banning alcohol advertising during streamed and broadcast sporting events, from events at which more than 10% of the audience was under 18, and further restrictions on the hours at which alcohol adverts could be broadcast on radio and television.

The report also noted the effects of sustainability of many sports clubs and events, but recommended new notions to support events that “might have ordinarily had access to alcohol sponsorship funds”.

Justice minister Amy Adams said further work would be required on the feasibility and the impact of the proposals.