'Drunk' is now defined by law

Drunk people will no longer be allowed in bars and anyone who speaks with a slur could be asked to leave, according to the letter of the law.

Changes to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act that became law on Wednesday forbid staff from serving anyone who shows signs of being drunk.

While serving drunk people has been an industry no-no for years, there is now a legal definition of what "drunk looks like" and strict consequences for bar staff who ignore that, says Phil Sentch, president of the Northland branch of Hospitality New Zealand.

In preparing for the much heralded changes, the police, hospitality industry and health promotion agencies joined forces to legally define "intoxication". A customer is deemed to be inebriated if showing two of the following symptoms: their appearance is affected and behaviour, speech or co-ordination is impaired.

Bar managers or owners face steeper fines for a raft of breaches, starting from $5000.

Mr Sentch believes law changes curtailing the hours bars were open would have little effect on Whangarei premises.

Local bars had a good relationship with the police, he said. He expected the biggest effect of the law change would be on drinkers who "pre-loaded" on cheaper alcohol at home before coming into city clubs and bars.

Mr Sentch said the industry welcomed moves that helped educate people about sensible drinking and changed the culture around alcohol.

"The food and alcohol industry is also about supplying an atmosphere where everyone can enjoy themselves," he said.

Supplying alcohol to under 18 year olds could also land liquor retailers steeper fines.

Northland District Health Board emergency departments have been promoting the "Say Yeah, Nah" message - "YEAH I'm up for a good night out but NAH I don't want to drink anymore".

Whangarei Hospital's Emergency Department treated approximately 60 alcohol-related cases each month over the peak last summer; and drinking related injuries halved in the months June and July.

The injuries ranged from extensive ones caused by motor vehicle crashes, facial and wrist damage from assaults to minor fractures from falls. Thirty nine per cent involved head injuries. On average 60 per cent were male, 14 per cent went to the emergency department on a Friday, 23 per cent on Saturday and 28 per cent on Sunday.

The age group most represented was 20-24 years-old; the lowest group the under 18 year olds.