19 June 2015

ARPHS appeals provisional local alcohol policy – Questions and Answers

Has ARPHS lodged a joint appeal with the police?

ARPHS and NZ Police have not lodged a joint appeal however, ARPHS shares the police concerns. The two organisations are working closely together to ensure the best results for the people of Auckland.

ARPHS has lodged this appeal to reduce alcohol-related harm in the community. Can you give a brief outline of the harmful effects of alcohol on the patients you see and the impact this has on your services?

The hospitals are run by the DHBs which are different organisations. The clinical director for ADHB’s adult emergency department, Dr Anil Nair, presented his observations of the impact of alcohol on the Auckland ED to Council as part of ARPHS submission on the draft LAP.

As part of preparing its response to Auckland Council’s LAP consultation, ARPHS cited national and international evidence regarding the cost of alcohol to society, health services, individuals and in human suffering and injury.

What areas of the provisional policy do you believe specifically need to be further strengthened to prevent these issues?

Reducing the availability of alcohol is essential to reducing harm, reducing hours of availability and the number of alcohol retailers are two big ticket items for achieving this.

Did the provisional policy leave out any considerations that ARPHS believesshould be included?

Auckland Council has included a number of positive recommendations in the PLAP, however, ARPHS and NZ Police consider that the opening hours of bars and clubs in Auckland is an area for significant improvement if harm from alcohol is to be minimised.

Were these points and issues raised by ARPHS inits original submissions to the provisional policy? If so, what is ARPHS’ reaction to the fact that they were not included, or not included to a standard ARPHS believed appropriate?

ARPHS raised these points in its initial submission. Overall, ARPHS considers that Auckland Council has included a number of positive recommendations to reduce the harm from alcohol. However, the objective of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act is to minimise the harm from alcohol, and NZ Police and ARPHS agree we need to make the best use of opportunities such as the LAP to create a supportive and safe environment for the people of Auckland.

ENDS