Graphic by Alistair Craig.
A sweeping review of alcohol laws, Alcohol in Our
Lives: Curbing the Harm, was tabled in Parliament earlier
this year - the first such review in more than two decades.
The 514-page Law Commission report has since fuelled
debate on all sides about the nation's drinking. The
Government is due to make its response public next month.
Justice Minister Simon Power has indicated the
proliferation of liquor outlets and access to alcohol will be
addressed, but has already dismissed one of the report's 153
recommendations - raising the excise tax.
Those charged with regulating and mopping up after alcohol
misuse in Dunedin say substantial changes are needed, Ellie
Constantine reports.
THE ALCOHOLIC
When he found himself homeless, opting to drink methylated
spirits over wine or beer, and close to death, Luke Ashton
knew it was time to put down the drink - for good.
The 35-year-old's drinking problems started when he was 18
and working in the oil-exploration industry in central
Australia.
The price of a can of beer was 50c and "drinking was a
given".
"There was nothing else to do out there but drink," he says.
But, after five years, work soon became boring and drinking
was a "good excuse" to stop.
Luke met a woman and moved to New Zealand, but heavy drinking
played a part in the relationship breaking down, leaving him
with no family and no friends.
By that stage, he was drinking himself "to oblivion" on a
daily basis.
Feelings of hopelessness led him to drink and being able to
forget the feelings was the reward.
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