The Wellington Liquor Liaison Group is launching a public awareness campaign encouraging adults to stop and think before they buy for and supply alcohol to minors.
Associate Minister of Health Jim Anderton, who has a special interest in youth drug and alcohol related problems, is launching the campaign at The Grandslam Liquor Store, in Kent Terrace, Wellington, at 11am today (Tuesday, 8 July).
The campaign is focused on the on-supply of alcohol and is targeted at adults -- whether they be bar staff, parents or people approached in shop doorways by minors -- and those in the 18 to 19 year range who buy alcohol for their younger friends or relatives. It’s about the illegal supply of alcohol to minors and the inappropriate supply by those legal to do so.
Based on a very successful programme developed by the Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC) and already run in communities including Oamaru, Ashburton, and Taranaki, the month-long campaign targets 140 liquor outlets within Wellington.
Prominent signs have been placed at points of sale reminding adults that it is illegal to supply alcohol to those under 18 years. The signs also serve as a reminder to licensee staff that it is illegal to knowingly sell liquor knowing that it is to be supplied to young people.
Radio, newspaper and bus shelter advertising are supporting the campaign, along with flyers, posters, pen and plastic shopping bags all focussed on the key message of: ‘Think about your mates, think about your kids, think about the consequences’.
The signage includes counter mats warning of a possible $2000 fine for buying alcohol for anyone under 18 -- unless you’re the minor’s parent or legal guardian.
Inspector Marty Grenfell, Wellington Area Police Controller, says inner Wellington City is an entertainment mecca for people of all ages.
"We want young people to enjoy themselves when they’re out and about," he says. "The number of young people, especially those under 18, binge drinking is increasing."
He says the campaign is timely given problems experienced at unsupervised after school ball, birthday and end of term parties.
"Very young people getting trashed on alcohol they’ve been given by parents or friends leads to problems on the streets. Booze provided by parents and friends can lead to young drunk people becoming victims or offenders of crime.
"Police are regularly picking up young drunks out of the gutter and delivering them home to their families.
Joanne Burt, from the Wellington City Council’s liquor licensing agency, says licensees are generally aware of their responsibilities when selling to minors, especially since a combined police, district licensing agency and public health sting operation last year.
"We’re hoping the campaign will force adults, including parents, and older teens to take their responsibilities more seriously."
Bruce Robertson, chief executive of the Hospitality Association of New Zealand, says addressing the supply of alcohol from adults and parents to minors is fundamental to reducing alcohol related harm among young people.
"This campaign is asking the adults of New Zealand to take responsibility and protect our youth. Industry has a significant part to play and we will continue to adopt a ‘no card, no service’ policy.
"We are delighted to be part of this wider initiative which tackles this core issue."
Ray Matthews from Regional Public Health says some adults may feel they are doing their kids a favour by supplying them with large quantities of alcohol.
"They’re not doing anyone any favours," he says. "The consequences of supplying young people with copious amounts of alcohol can be tragic."
The ALAC Youth Drinking Monitor survey shows that around half of young people under 18 got their alcohol from parents and friends. About ten percent said they bought it themselves.
"Adults are part of the problem, but they’re also part of the solution," says Sandra Kirby, ALAC Programme Manager for Young People.
"Adults don’t have to supply the alcohol or the money to buy it. What is the impact of adults sending 14 and 15 year olds off to unsupervised parties with enough money for a bottle of vodka or them supplying the bottle themselves?"
The Wellington Liquor Liaison Group is a multi agency and industry group focussed on reducing alcohol related harm in the community. The group comprises Wellington Police, the Wellington City Council’s liquor licensing agency, the Hospitality Association of New Zealand, the Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand, Regional Public Health, Beer, Wines and Spirits Council of New Zealand and ACC.