A former Waitakere Mayor has called for people to "grow up" as debate rages over whether there should be a ban on alcohol advertisement at sporting events.
It comes after the issue was flagged to Nelson City Council last month when it was revealed the Black Caps and White Ferns matches need an exemption to rules banning alcohol advertising at Saxton Oval.
New Zealand Cricket has a sponsorship deal with Asahi Beverages for the summer matches, which includes the right to advertise alcohol at venues.
Appearing on AM's panel on Friday morning, Sir Bob Harvey was asked about the issue and said people need to "grow up".
"I have a feeling that we should just grow up and actually have it," he said.
But Auckland councillor Richard Hills, also appearing on the panel, said there is definitely a need for a conversation around it.
"I think there is a question that obviously alcohol harm, especially in New Zealand is really, really bad. It affects families right across the spectrum, family violence everything like that, so I think when kids are turning up and seeing their idols and having alcohol advertising everywhere it's a strange juxtaposition."
However, Hills also questioned where sporting events would get funding from if alcohol advertisement was banned.
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