Dunedin students 'targeted' by booze advertisers

Dunedin students are being targeted by "reckless'' alcohol advertising which has a clear link with alcohol abuse, the Dunedin Community Law Centre says.

The comment was made in a submission to Parliament's justice and electoral select committee, which is considering the Sale and Supply of Liquor and Liquor Enforcement Bill.

Law centre spokeswoman Natalie Smith said she supported changes to address the negative impact of alcohol abuse, with the availability of alcohol, youth binge drinking and alcohol advertising among the key issues.

It was "no surprise'' Dunedin's binge drinking culture had been raised during Parliament's first reading of the bill, Ms Smith said.

"We have become increasingly concerned about the alcohol-related binge culture in Dunedin and the impact it has on our community, and the national image of Dunedin,'' she said.

Among the issues was the advertising of alcohol-related events which targeted the student population.

Ms Smith cited a 2007 flier for well-known student watering hole The Bowling Green Hotel - known as "The Bowler'' - in which 15,000 pamphlets advertised a "swap petrol for beer promotion'', giving students a chance to win a petrol-soaked couch and matches.

"Given the problems emergency services repeatedly have in controlling parties in the student area this was completely irresponsible,'' she said.

The same pub was responsible for other "reckless'' advertising, including a "Wife Beater Wednesday'' promotion named after a style of t-shirt, which Ms Smith said was "negligent'' given the link between alcohol and sexual assault.

There was a clear link between the promotions run by the establishment, which has since shut down, and alcohol abuse, she said.

"In February 2008 the pub was closed for two days after severely intoxicated patrons were found on the premises, including one who was `slumped forward with a pool of vomit around his feet'.''

The law centre said it would like to see the purchase age for alcohol raised from 18 to 20 years, and greater regulation of licensing hours.

It also supported standardisation of bylaws, the removal of alcohol from supermarkets, and making the supply of liquor to minors an offence without the consent of their parent or guardian.