6 Aug 2008

Changes proposed to liquor laws

3:41 pm on 6 August 2008

The Government is proposing changes to liquor laws which could put an end to the sale of alcohol at dairies.

It plans to introduce legislation it says will give communities a greater ability to object to licensing decisions.

Associate Justice Minister Lianne Dalziel says Parliament voted against allowing dairies to sell wine and beer in 1999, but that was circumvented by grocery stores that are dairies under a different name.

A requirement of a minimum size for grocery stores will be introduced.

Ms Dalziel also announced a review by the Law Commission of the sale and supply of liquor. It will start immediately and take two and a half years.

The Drug Foundation says the changes are overdue, but not tough enough on alcohol advertising and the ready availability of cheap alcohol to young people.