Advocating for responsible alcohol sales
St John of God Hauora Trust's Community Action Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) Otautahi team has presented to Christchurch City Council’s Long Term Plan proposing a 10 per cent rate increase for liquor retailers in Christchurch.
Community Action on Youth and Drugs (CAYAD) Otautahi, in its submission to the Christchurch City Council’s Long Term Plan (LTP) proposed a targeted rate on all off-license retailers, including supermarkets and bottle shops, as a way to recoup some of the social and economic cost to the community caused by alcohol.
The CAYAD team develop evidence and community based initiatives focused on reducing the harm young people experience from alcohol and other drugs - especially vulnerable populations who are disproportionatey affected.
CAYAD Otautahi Senior Project Worker Paul McMahon said the rate increase would help reduce harm from alcohol in our communities.
“75 per cent of alcohol purchased in New Zealand is purchased off-license, and despite all life’s necessities getting more expensive since 1989 – when alcohol was liberalised – alcohol is now 30 per cent cheaper," Paul said.
"Cheap alcohol is what the most harmful drinkers buy, especially young people.
“We’re asking the Council to exercise its powers under the Local Government Rating Act and be creative.
"They are also a signatory to the Christchurch Alcohol Action Plan, that aims to reduce the supply and increase the cost of alcohol in Christchurch, which evidence says is the best way to reduce harm."