As the umbrella peak body for the social and community sector in the Western Bay of Plenty, SociaLink represents over 1500 organisations and individuals dedicated to advocating for social justice, equity, and the wellbeing of our communities. Recently, we submitted our formal response to the Government regarding the proposed Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill.
While we support positive measures in the Bill – such as Section 20, which ensures low-alcohol drinks are readily available – SociaLink strongly opposes several key amendments. We believe these changes will contribute to social and health-related harm, disproportionately impacting Māori communities and hindering efforts to achieve equitable health, social, and economic outcomes.
More Outlets, More Harm
There is strong international evidence that increased alcohol availability contributes directly to increased alcohol-related problems. Yet, this Bill proposes changes that will actively increase accessibility:
Section 17: Allows clubs without a club licence to hold an on-licence, broadening their scope from serving members to selling to the general public just like a tavern.
Section 40: Amends off-licence criteria so that virtually any restaurant preparing food on-site could apply to sell takeaway alcohol.
These changes will inevitably lead to a higher density of alcohol outlets, aggressive price discounting, and a rise in health and social harm – particularly in disadvantaged areas.
Silencing Local Voices
Equally concerning are the intended restrictions on the right to object to a licence application or renewal. The Bill proposes that only individuals residing or operating a business within the local licensing committee district, or within a strict one-kilometre radius of the premises, can object. Worse still, it completely removes the right of a person to object as a representative of an organisation.
This is an incredibly short-sighted move that discards vital local knowledge. It effectively silences community organisations, neighbourhood watches, community patrols, schools, and social service providers who see firsthand how local outlets impact family safety and community wellbeing. It also unfairly excludes people with deep whakapapa links to local marae or papakāinga who may live outside the strict boundary.
Local licensing committees need access to this essential community insight to make informed decisions. That is why we are strongly recommending that the Government retain our current rights of objection.
👉 Read our full submission below
