Alcohol shake-up targets drink culture

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Any more than two drinks should put drivers over the legal limit, says a report heralding the country's biggest alcohol law reforms in 20 years.

"By international standards New Zealand's record in this area is lamentable," says the Law Commission report, which suggests a raft of law changes to curb binge-drinking.

The report, Alcohol in Our Lives, says the country needs to consider sweeping changes, including more taxes on alcohol, greater restrictions and powers around licensing, shorter opening hours for pubs and changes to the purchasing age.

And it says the blood-alcohol limit for drivers should drop from 0.8g per 100ml to 0.5g for those over 20 and to zero for teenagers.

The present limit for adults allows men up to four standard drinks - equivalent to about three cans of beer - and women up to three in the first hour, and a further drink every subsequent hour.

"In the commission's view there is a strong case [for those changes]. The research evidence supports this ... There are far too many traffic accidents where alcohol is a factor."

About 30 per cent of fatal crashes are alcohol-related. In Australia, the proportion is closer to 21 per cent and in Britain it is 17.

Law Commission president Sir Geoffrey Palmer, SC, told the Herald a final report would not include recommendations on the blood-alcohol limit, because that would be left to the Minister of Transport.

But the call from the commission - an independent body of legal experts appointed by the Government - is a boost to advocates who have long sought change.

"In 2008, alcohol was a factor in the deaths of 28 drivers aged 15 to 24 ... and in the deaths of 27 passengers in vehicles driven by a drunk young person," said the director of Alcohol Healthwatch, Rebecca Williams.

Police have also backed the Law Commission's calls, putting more pressure on the Government to act.

Transport Minister Stephen Joyce said last night he would await a report from his own officials as part of an overhaul of road safety rules. That is expected to be released towards the end of next month.

The Law Commission report paints a grim picture of New Zealand's love affair with booze.

"Not everyone drinks in a manner that is harmful, but the consequences of harmful drinking affect us all," said Sir Geoffrey.

"The Law Commission is not proposing a return to wowserism, but the preliminary evidence suggests the time has come to review the policy settings, to reduce the excesses and curb the harm."

He said judges, medical specialists and police supported that view.

"Law changes cannot change a culture," Sir Geoffrey said. "Price can make a difference, hours can make a difference. Licensing of liquor outlets can make a difference. There are a number of things that can make a difference but we cannot offer a magic wand."

The report was prompted by the killing of Navtej Singh in his South Auckland liquor store in June last year.

Gurinder Singh, a friend of Navtej who still works at the liquor store in Riverton Drive, Manurewa, welcomed the Law Commission moves, particularly those to lower the age of young people buying from off-licences.

"I think it is a good idea. They have to change the law," he said.

RECOMMENDATIONS

* Only people aged 20 and over can buy alcohol at off-licences.
* Bars and clubs to stop selling alcohol at 2am, with some extensions to 4am for those with a one-way door policy.
* Powers for police to immediately close bars and clubs that breach liquor laws.
* Drunkenness in a public place punishable by an infringement notice.
* Increase excise tax.
* Lower excise tax on low-alcohol drinks.
* Powers for Government to ban some drinks on health grounds.