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January 25, 2018
Alcohol industry challenged on health harm
Waatea Team
Posted On January 25, 2018
Maori public health group Hapai Te Hauora is urging the ministerial inquiry into mental health and addiction to take a hard look at the impact of alcohol.
General manager Anthony Hawke says in the five years since new liquor laws were passed alcohol has become more affordable and drinking has increased.
He says the links between alcohol and increased pressure on mental health and addiction services are clear.
"One third of people that commited suicide have alcohol in their system. There is also the fact alcohol has reduced in price every year and wine is now 20 percent cheaper than it was four years ago so there are facts here that the industry is creating harm and that harm is leading to suicide," Mr Hawke says.
Hapai Te Hauora along with Alcohol Healthwatch is calling for an increase in the tax on alcohol.
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