PHANZ WARNS PROPOSED ALCOHOL LAW CHANGES COULD INCREASE HARM AND WEAKEN COMMUNITY VOICES
The Public Health Association of New Zealand (PHANZ) has submitted a strong opposition to the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill, warning that the proposed changes risk increasing alcohol-related harm and deepening existing inequities across Aotearoa New Zealand.
The Government has introduced the Sale and Supply of Alcohol (Improving Alcohol Regulation) Amendment Bill, which proposes changes to alcohol licensing, community objection processes, and alcohol availability across Aotearoa New Zealand.
In its submission, the PHANZ said the Bill will weaken important public health protections by expanding alcohol availability, reducing community influence over licensing decisions, and undermining Local Alcohol Policies (LAPs). The PHANZ emphasised that alcohol remains a leading cause of preventable harm in Aotearoa, contributing to illness, injury, violence, road crashes, mental distress, and significant pressure on the health system.
PHANZ Chief Executive, Dr Cadence Kaumoana, said the Bill moves Aotearoa New Zealand in the wrong direction at a time when stronger alcohol harm reduction measures are needed. “We are deeply concerned that this Bill prioritises convenience and commercial interests over community wellbeing and public health. The evidence is clear that increasing alcohol availability leads to greater harm, particularly for communities already disproportionately affected,” said Dr Kaumoana.
The PHANZ also raised concerns about the Bill’s implications for Māori health equity and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. The submission notes that Māori experience disproportionately high levels of alcohol-related harm due to longstanding structural inequities, and argues the Bill fails to provide a strong Tiriti-informed foundation for partnership and Māori participation in alcohol decision-making.
Among the key concerns highlighted were proposals to restrict who can object to alcohol licences, allow more venues and businesses to sell alcohol, and weaken councils’ ability to apply Local Alcohol Policies when renewing licences.
The PHANZ notes these changes will increase alcohol availability and further normalise drinking in everyday settings. “Communities must retain a meaningful voice in decisions about alcohol in their neighbourhoods. Public health, equity, and harm reduction should remain at the centre of alcohol legislation in Aotearoa,” said Dr Kaumoana.
The PHANZ is calling for the Bill to be withdrawn in its current form. If it proceeds, the organisation recommends substantial amendments to strengthen community participation, uphold Te Tiriti obligations, retain strong LAPs, and ensure public health and harm reduction remain central to alcohol regulation in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The PHANZ submission is available here.