Victim Support calls for Liquor Industry levy

Victim Support is calling for the inclusion of a social cost levy in its submission on liquor reforms.

Victim Support’s Chief Executive Tony Paine is endorsing the overall direction of the Law Commission’s proposals in its paper on alcohol reforms but is calling for a mandatory levy on the liquor industry to return some of its profits to groups like Victim Support that deal with the aftermath and impacts of excessive alcohol consumption.

“The link between alcohol and crime is beyond dispute. Victim Support deals with the impacts of unabated alcohol consumption on a daily basis. We see those impacts in the rawest and saddest light. The liquor industry must return some of its profits to groups like Victim Support that deal with the aftermath of excessive alcohol consumption.” says Mr Paine.

Victim Support provides 24/7 support and assistance for people affected by crime and trauma. The service is delivered by highly trained volunteers throughout New Zealand.  Services provided include immediate trauma support, information and guidance through the criminal justice system. Victim Support also has specialist support workers in the areas of homicide and suicide.

“The impact alcohol has on crime is felt across the board for our services. In certain parts of the country, however, Victim Support is having to put additional resources into providing specialised services such as trained teams of domestic violence workers.  The severity of domestic violence increases with the presence of alcohol and in some districts we’re experiencing an increased demand for these specialist workers.” Says Mr Paine

31% of all crime can be directly connected with alcohol consumption. Harmful alcohol use in 2005/2006 cost New Zealand an estimated $5.296 billion in resources, including police, health, ACC, justice and corrections services. In Wellington alone alcohol was a factor in 66% of arrests for disorder, violence, and sexual offending. This figure increases to 90% of violent offences on Friday and Saturday evenings. In Christchurch, young people are 3.2 times more likely to be involved in violent offending when they abuse alcohol.

 “The social cost of excessive alcohol consumption is too high. The liquor industry is worth billions of dollars – some of that money must be directed towards agencies like Victim Support that end up picking up the pieces.” says Mr Paine. 

Media contact:

Tony Paine
Victim Support CEO
027 246 0177