National Drug Policy New Zealand

Alcohol

Legislation

This section on alcohol-related legislation covers the following topics:

• Changes to alcohol-related legislation
• Introduction to alcohol-related legislation
• How to access legislation

Changes to Alcohol-related Legislation

Review of the Regulation of Alcohol Advertising

In May 2006, the Government initiated a review of the current self-regulatory framework for alcohol advertising in New Zealand, acting on a recommendation from the Health Select Committee.

The goal of the review was to assess whether or not the current regulatory framework for alcohol advertising is in harmony with the aims of the Government in regard to alcohol policy, and if not, what must be done to achieve this. A Steering Group was established to oversee the review.
Read more about the Review.

Introduction to Alcohol-related Legislation

Customs and Excise Act Amendment, 7 May 2003

The Customs and Excise Act was amended so that products in the 14–23% band are taxed at the rate of $39.426 per litre of alcohol (ie, at the higher rate with a CPI adjustment). In addition, these products are now taxed according to the actual amount of alcohol they contain, rather than being deemed to contain 18% aabv.

All other alcohol excise rates were increased with effect from 1 June 2003, based on the movement in the Consumer Price Index - All Groups excluding Credit Services over the preceding 12 months. The rates increased by approximately 2.61%.

The Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Act 1966

This allows for the treatment of people with alcoholism or drug addiction at certified institutions, and provides legal definitions of 'alcoholic' and 'drug addict'.

Detention under the Act can be either voluntary (applied for by the person requiring treatment) or involuntary (applied for by the person’s relatives, a police officer or 'any other reputable person'). Detention orders are made by District Court Judges and can last up to two years. In practice, the Act is used infrequently, mainly for people with chronic alcohol dependence.

Sale of Liquor Act 1989

The object of this Act is to 'establish a reasonable system of control over the sale and supply of liquor to the public with the aim of contributing to the reduction of liquor abuse, so far as can be achieved by legislative means.' In summary, the purpose of the Act is to:

• set out the provisions relating to on-license, off-licenses, club licences and special licences
• define the powers of the Licensing Authority, District Licensing Agencies
• outline offences and enforcement provisions.

The Ministry of Justice administers this Act.

Wine Makers Act 1981

The purpose of the Wine Makers Act 1981 is to:

• set out the provisions relating to the licensing of winemakers
• set out the provisions relating to the export of New Zealand wine.

The Ministry of Justice administers this Act.

Alcohol Advisory Council Act 1976

In summary, the purpose of the Alcohol Advisory Council Act 1976 is to:

• provide for the establishment of an Alcohol Advisory Council of New Zealand (ALAC). ALAC's primary objective is the encouragement and promotion of moderation in the use of liquor, the discouragement and reduction of the misuse of liquor, and the minimisation of the personal, social, and economic harm resulting from the misuse of liquor
• define ALAC's functions and powers
• make provision for the funding of ALAC's activities by means of a levy on liquor imported into, or manufactured in, New Zealand.

The Ministry of Health administers this Act.

How to access alcohol-related legislation

For more detailed information about these Acts, copies of legislation can be obtained from Government Bookshops or reviewed at most public libraries. Legislation can also be accessed online at www.legislation.govt.nz.