By Briar Marbeck and Sophie Lowery
Changes to New Zealand's drinking laws come into effect from today, which aim to reduce binge drinking and alcohol-related harm.
The reforms mean stricter closing times for bars and clubs, as well as tighter controls on the sale of alcohol at supermarkets and bottle shops.
Hefty fines will also be handed down to people who supply alcohol to minors.
- AT A GLANCE: Alcohol law changes
The changes are the result of too many booze-fuelled nights, particularly in Auckland's central city, which have police worried.
"We've seen a recent death, since then we've been getting on average two or three victims a week where they've been knocked unconscious, whether they've been head-butted or punched, or kicked unconscious," says Inspector Gary Davey of Auckland police.
Last month, 25-year-old trainee teacher Tarun Asthana was killed when he was allegedly punched on Queen St and fell to the ground, hitting his head. He died in hospital two days later.
Grenville David McFarland, 27, will face trial next year for Mr Asthana's manslaughter.
One of the main concerns for police is people that are pre-loading at home and side-loading in town; drinking cheaper alcohol before coming into town, or drinking in car parks and cars before entering bars and clubs.
"The later the night goes, the higher the levels of intoxication and the higher levels of violence and the higher number of victims," says Mr Davey.
Police hope changes to how and when people drink will curb the late night and early morning boozing that sparks disorder and violence.
Under the new law, all bars and clubs must close by 4am, while bottle shops and supermarkets must stop selling alcohol by 11pm. Anyone who breaks a liquor ban or attempts to use a fake ID will be instantly fined $250.
Those who supply alcohol to minors and who aren't their legal guardian or parent, or who don't have consent, can also be fined up to $2,000.
Auckland will be the most affected city in the country, with around 300 licensed premises forced to alter closing times to meet the new requirements.
Only 30 licensed premises will be affected in Wellington, and a handful more across the rest of the country.
The changes are being welcomed by most bars and clubs.
"As bar owners and operators, it gives us a lot more leverage because we don't want intoxicated people on our premises – it's simply bad for business," says Hospitality New Zealand's Auckland branch president, Kevin Schwass.
However, many bars believe they're often unfairly blamed for drunken behaviour and say it's pre-loading and side-loading that is the biggest problem.
"You've got to understand that only 25 percent of alcohol is consumed on licensed premises," says Mr Schwass.
Hospitality New Zealand supports the changes, but would still like to see a ban on public intoxication.
Police agree further changes to restrict drinking are needed and have made submissions for a one-way door policy from 1am, along with a 3am closing time for all bars and clubs.
3 News
source: newshub archive
