Media Release

The just released New Zealand annual Health Survey assessment of our health and wellbeing shows continued positive change in our drinking behaviour [1]. “We are seeing a growing shift towards moderate drinking and healthy lifestyles, as our hazardous drinking and alcohol consumption continues to decline”, said NZABC Executive Director Virginia Nicholls. Five out of [...]

A recent report showcases extensive efforts in New Zealand and around the globe to prevent harmful drinking. The report is titled Global Standards in Action [1] (GSA). The International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) ‘Global Standards Coalition’ (GSC) put  the report together which includes innovative safeguards and digital tools to prevent underage drinking and [...]

The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) welcomes the release of the proposed changes to the Sale & Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 (SSAA) aimed at reforming alcohol regulations. “The proposed amendments signal a practical attempt to rebalance how local communities can have a voice during the licensing process while supporting responsible licence-holders’ right to [...]

Alcohol Healthwatch (AHW) recently issued a media release [1] stating that 34% of alcohol products have no pregnancy warning label. The NZ Alcohol Beverages Council was so concerned with this statement that we asked AHW directly [2] for information on which retail outlets and products were not complying with the Food Standards Australia New [...]

NZ Police alcohol harm prevention officer Inspector Ian Paulin, was a speaker at the Hospitality NZ conference this week.  He spoke about the role of ‘off-licence’ sales in contributing to alcohol harm and the need for a targeted alcohol strategy. “The Inspector spoke about alcohol harm in the home but did not provide any [...]

“New Zealanders strongly support confiscating cars from repeat drink drivers, targeted support programmes for harmful drinkers and alcohol education programmes in schools”, said NZABC Executive Director Virginia Nicholls. For the past six years the NZ Alcohol Beverages Council (NZABC) has independently surveyed 1000 Kiwis [1] and found the support for the following (net harm) [...]

We support the Hon Kieran McAnulty’s Sale & Supply of Alcohol (Sales on Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day) Amendment Bill passing its first reading. “Allowing restaurants, bars and supermarkets to sell or serve alcohol like any other day during Anzac Day morning, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Christmas Day [...]

The recent Stats NZ [1] beer, wine and spirits consumption has declined to the lowest level since data was first collected and supports a seismic cultural shift towards “mindful drinking”. NielsenIQ [2] (US) attributed the rise in non-alcoholic sales to the mindful drinking trend.  To be a mindful drinker, you must be aware of [...]

Zebra striping [1] is a recent trend to socialise while having a beer, wine or spirit and alternating between alcohol and a no or low-alcohol drink. It has been estimated [2] that 25% of adults from the UK alternate alcohol and non-alcoholic drinks in a single session. “We should not underestimate the importance of socialising [...]

A study from Mintel in the UK [1] on Gen Z drinking habits revealed that a significant number are opting for a more balanced approach, focussing on drinking in moderation. As part of Mintel’s lifestyle research of Gen Z, 36% young adults aged 18-25 socialise by going to bars and pubs with friends. Going [...]