A new position statement on alcohol failed to include education as a solution to alcohol abuse, Southern District Health Board member Kaye Crowther says.
Endorsed by the DHB yesterday, the position statement was created in partnership with all South Island DHBs.
Higher alcohol prices, raising the purchase age to 20, reducing accessibility, reducing marketing and advertising, and reducing the legal blood-alcohol driving limit are promoted by the statement as evidence-backed solutions to alcohol abuse.
On Wednesday, it was endorsed by the community and public health advisory committee.
Speaking at the committee meeting, Mrs Crowther said she had been disappointed the position statement did not outline the role education played in curbing abuse.
Responding, Otago and Southland medical officer of health Dr Marion Poore said education was part of the "long haul" of alcohol behaviour change. The evidence was that education was important, but did not necessarily lead to sustained behaviour change.
Education - targeted mainly at parents - would form part of an alcohol harm reduction strategy that was to be developed.
Committee chairman Malcolm Macpherson said he wished to emphasise the role of local licensing authorities in curbing alcohol abuse. He hoped the harm reduction strategy led to a co-ordinated approach between the DHB and local authorities.
Committee member Neville Cook asked if the position statement had "missed the boat a wee bit", because the Alcohol Reform Bill was awaiting its third reading in Parliament.
Dr Poore said the shape of the final law was still not finalised and subject to change.
She also pointed out legislation was not the whole answer to the problem.
