Why is alcohol licencing a public health issue?
Alcohol is widely available to all communities. This includes place such as:this includes purchasing at both on and off-licences.
- On-Licences (e.g. pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars)
- Off-Licences (e.g. supermarkets, bottle stores, wineries)
- Club Licences (e.g. sports clubs, RSAs, working men's clubs
The harm caused by alcohol consumption is higher in deprived communities and those neighbourhoods that have a higher exposure to places that sell alcohol. As the number of alcohol stores rise, so too does the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol contributes to the development of over 200 health conditions that can affect our quality of life. It is also one of the biggest risk factors for cancers, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, assaults, falls, car accidents, and drowning.
Alcohol tends to be cheaper at off-licences so consequently most alcohol is purchased there. There is a strong association between alcohol consumption and the density of off-licence retailers. Studies show that the majority of high risk drinking occurs with alcohol purchased at off-licence premises.
National Public Health Service - Wellington Region has a statutory role in ensuring that the harms from excessive alcohol consumption are minimised across the region.
This includes:
- Implementation and compliance of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012
National Public Health Service - Wellington Region is one of three enforcement agencies involved in the alcohol licensing application process for the greater Wellington region. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 requires the Medical Officer of Health, Licencing inspector from the Council and New Zealand Police to report on all alcohol licence applications. - Informing policy and legislation
we inform and engage decision makers to ensure policy and legislation reflects current evidence on alcohol and alcohol-related harm. Our focus is on reducing the risks for those experiencing the highest impact of alcohol-related harm, such as Māori, Pacific, young people and those living in lower socio-economic areas. - Working Collaboratively
We work collaboratively with NZ Police, licensing inspectors from the territorial authorities (councils), and other organisations in the greater Wellington region to carry out monitoring of premises to ensure minors are not supplied with alcohol and intoxicated persons are not in licenced premises, this is to ensure that licensees meet their legal requirements relating to host responsibility
Types of licences:
The Medical Officer of Health reports on all applications for:
- On-Licences (e.g. pubs, restaurants, cafes, bars)
- Off-Licences (e.g. supermarkets, bottle stores, wineries)
- Club Licences (e.g. sports clubs, RSAs, working men's clubs)
- Special Licences (short term licenses for particular events or series of events on premises/locations normally unlicensed, or to alter the conditions of a licensee to allow for particular events)
Did you know you can have a say on alcohol licences that are coming up for renewal or new application in your community? Click here for more information.
