Criticism Of Conscience Vote On Drink (Press, 15 September 1987)

During the annual conference of the Hotel Association of New Zealand in Christchurch on 15 September 1987, Mr Gerry Power, the association’s president, addressed the ongoing issues within New Zealand's liquor legislation. He described the current state as a "shambles," attributing the problems largely to the Parliamentary practice of conscience voting on legislation concerning liquor laws. Power pointed out that while various beneficial legislative proposals have been put forward, many have ultimately failed or been compromised due to this voting system. However, he acknowledged that conscience voting could also lead to positive legislative outcomes, citing the example of the Homosexual Law Reform Bill as a case where effective legislation was passed despite the voting method. Power expressed hope that Parliament would not dismiss the proposed new liquor legislation and instead develop laws aimed at benefiting society as it moved towards the 21st century. Power raised concerns about the existing liquor laws, which he felt failed to address issues like double standards, enforcement methods, and those who choose to disregard the law. He noted that there had been support for abolishing public bars and emphasised the recognition by Parliament that the Trespass Act should apply universally in hotels. This change, he suggested, could empower licensees to defend their properties more effectively. He further called on the Government to take the initiative in reforming liquor legislation, especially regarding the recommended change to the legal drinking age, as proposed in the Laking Report. The report suggested lowering the legal drinking age to 18, which Power described as a major issue that had persisted unresolved for a decade. He pointed out the existing law allowed 18-year-olds to drink in certain licensed venues if accompanied by an adult over 20, an arrangement he argued was widely misused, thus creating a double standard that was difficult to enforce. Power concluded by asserting that the Laking Report highlighted the public’s appetite for change, urging the Government to enact the necessary legislative adjustments to resolve these longstanding issues effectively.

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