September 28, 2021
High alcohol toll on Māori demands action
Alcohol Healthwatch says a review of liquor laws could help prevent and reduce health inequities between Māori and non-Māori.
All 20 district health boards have called for such a review, citing the health and economic costs of alcohol harm.
Alcohol Healthwatch executive director Nicki Jackson says despite a series of reviews and recommendations over the past decade, alcohol has become more affordable, alcohol advertising remains pervasive, and councils and communities have been unsuccessful in efforts to restrict local availability.
She says New Zealanders living in the most deprived neighbourhoods have greater exposure to cheap alcohol, alcohol outlets, and alcohol advertising, contributing to disproportionately higher levels of alcohol harm.
Alcohol is the most harmful of all drugs, due to its wide-ranging harms to the drinker and to others.