Latest news with #SteveRanderson
RNZ News
15-05-2025
- RNZ News
Booze delivery fuelling alcohol-related harm, public health experts warn
A new survey of the public has found most New Zealanders would support tightening up the rules. Photo: 123rf / Rushay Booysen @rushay Booze delivered to your door with just a few taps on your smartphone screen - it's convenient, quick, cheap, and also fuelling huge amounts of alcohol-related harm each year, according to public health experts. A new survey of the public has found most New Zealanders would support tightening up the rules. A separate international study released on Thursday ranked New Zealand last on alcohol control policies, especially when it comes to marketing and longer than average trading hours. Research (carried out by Talbot Mills for Health Coalition Aotearoa and the Cancer Society) found 81 percent of respondants throught online deliveries should have to follow the same checks as bars and stores. Co-chair of the Coalition's expert panel, Steve Randerson, told Nine to Noon online delivery services were flouting the rules, but the rules themselves were not fit for the digital age. "When it comes to that online delivery system, every phone is now a really sophisticated advertising platform and a bottle store," he said. New Zealand law does not require proof of age identification at the point of online purchase, or the delivery of alcohol. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act states that so-called remote sellers - internet, phone, or mail order vendors - should take "reasonable steps" to verify age, such as requiring purchasers to tick an onscreen box confirming they are 18. Research published in the NZ Medical Journal last year found three-quarters of alcohol deliveries to Auckland homes were being handed over without checking IDs or simply left on the doorstep. Despite multiple recommendations over the years for a further overhaul of the Sale and Supply of Liquor Act, the law was lagging well behind the reality of alcohol marketing and retail. "It's evolved out of all sight. "Social media platforms are now using masses of our data to tune in to what we like, alcohol retailers are uploading their own data about their customers, and together these systems are teaching themselves to get better at engaging us." Not only were alcohol ads more "engaging" and better targeted, they often included a "buy now" option, he said. "So we're constantly getting nudged by alcohol advertising, which we know shapes how we drink, and with just a few taps you have can alcohol at your door within minutes." Randerson said online purchasing did not only make underage drinking possible, but also extended binge drinking sessions. "It's cheaper, it's higher volumes often, and if you're delivering that into the home it can contribute to some of the serious harms around alcohol, including self-harm and family violence." The survey also found widespread support for curbing sponsorship, advertising and trading hours, as well as raising prices.
RNZ News
14-05-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
Are the rules for online alcohol deliveries too loose?
The ease of which alcohol can be ordered online without ID checks and delivered within minutes is causing concern for most New Zealanders, according to a new survey from Health Coalition Aotearoa. New Zealand law does not require proof of age identification at the point of online purchase, or the delivery of alcohol. The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act states that so-called remote sellers - internet, phone, or mail order vendors - should take `reasonable steps to verify age. Regulatory guidance suggests reasonable procedures includes, for internet sales, a person ticking an onscreen box saying they are 18 over when first entering the site, and again just before purchasing. Three-quarters of alcohol deliveries to Auckland homes were being left unattended on doorsteps or being made without checking IDs, according to NZ Medical Journal research published last year - and found alcohol could be delivered within minutes. A new survey by Talbot Mills for Health Coalition Aotearoa, finds 81% of New Zealanders believe said online alcohol deliveries should have to follow the same checks as bars and stores. Steve Randerson, co-chair of the Health Coalition Aotearoa Alcohol Expert Panel, joins Kathryn. Person taking wine bottle out of box. Photo: 123rf / Rushay Booysen @rushay
Scoop
13-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
New Zealanders Back Action On Preventing Alcohol Harm
Press Release – Health Coalition Aotearoa A new independent poll shows overwhelming support for tighter safeguards on how alcohol is sold and marketed. Clear majorities support firm limits on key problems such as the price of cheap alcohol, online deliveries, and industry involvement in policy … New Zealanders are calling time on the alcohol industry's influence and supporting stronger safeguards to protect health-especially for children. A new independent poll shows overwhelming support for tighter safeguards on how alcohol is sold and marketed. Clear majorities support firm limits on key problems such as the price of cheap alcohol, online deliveries, and industry involvement in policy making. Nearly 80% back a ban on alcohol ads seen by children. 'Alcohol is the most harmful drug in Aotearoa, but it's marketed like a harmless treat,' says Karen Wright, Health Coalition Aotearoa. 'Our legislation is outdated and is maintaining large inequities in harm. People are saying enough is enough. They back action to protect children, whānau and communities from alcohol harm.' The majority support making alcohol less available 81% agree online alcohol deliveries should have to follow the same checks as bars and stores 76% agreed with neighbourhood limits on the number of places selling alcohol 58% support returning the alcohol purchase age to 20 years old The majority support removing industry from policymaking and telling the truth about alcohol harms 71% agree the alcohol industry should stay out of policymaking 66% support cancer warning labels on alcohol products The majority support safeguards against alcohol advertising 80% back a ban on alcohol ads seen by children 62% support a ban on all alcohol advertising and sponsorship 68% agree sporting organisations should be supported to move away from alcohol sponsorship Support for making alcohol less affordable 58% agree cheap alcohol should not be sold below a certain price 47% agree the Government should increase the price of alcohol by 10% and use that money for alcohol treatment services and harm prevention. A further 11% were unsure. The poll shows strong support for the three areas known to reduce alcohol consumption and harm for communities – safeguards for affordability, availability and advertising. Successive New Zealand Governments have not implemented long-standing recommendations to address these issues. Instead they have made disappointing, minor tweaks to the law governing alcohol. 'The people of Aotearoa are ready for change. Now it's up to the Government to act,' says Steve Randerson, Health Coalition Aotearoa. 'As a country we have done this before with tobacco, when the Government brought in sensible safeguards around tobacco marketing. The public supports similar action for alcohol marketing, which would benefit young people and those trying to cut down or stop drinking.' Alcohol causes a broad range of harms to the consumer, whānau and communities. Alcohol fuels violence and causes at least seven types of cancer. It also causes lifelong brain injury to babies exposed during pregnancy – and many other harms to health and society. It's also deeply woven into everyday life, from rugby matches to music festivals-thanks to relentless industry marketing. 'Alcohol companies spend millions telling us drinking is fun, sexy and essential. But the ads don't tell us it causes cancer,' says Steve Randerson. 'Our children deserve better. So do we.' The cost of replacing alcohol sponsorship in sport is relatively low-just $10-12 million per year, or 5-6% of total sponsorship revenue. 'This is a fixable problem,' says Karen Wright. 'New Zealanders want politicians to put people before profits. Solutions to reduce harms must not be influenced by an industry motivated by sales and profit. It's time to overhaul our alcohol laws to protect our children and those most impacted by harm.' Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling time and urges the Government to act on the clear public mandate and introduce evidence-based reforms to reduce alcohol harm across Aotearoa. Poll details This poll provides the most up to date data on current public opinion on alcohol policies of New Zealand adults. Results are based upon questions asked in a Talbot Mills Research nationwide online survey of a sample of 1161 nationally representative respondents in NZ 18 years of age and over. The questions were asked in March 2025. Participants were asked 'To reduce the problems associated with alcohol use, how strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements (%)' followed by a range of alcohol policy measure statements. The last public opinion survey was the 2023 University of Otago/Cancer Society survey. Our PHCC Briefing includes 2023 results for comparison where relevant, but we caution comparing results too closely as the methodology and question and response options differed between the two surveys. This poll was funded by Health Coalition Aotearoa and the Cancer Society of New Zealand.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
New Zealanders Back Action On Preventing Alcohol Harm
Press Release – Health Coalition Aotearoa A new independent poll shows overwhelming support for tighter safeguards on how alcohol is sold and marketed. Clear majorities support firm limits on key problems such as the price of cheap alcohol, online deliveries, and industry involvement in policy … New Zealanders are calling time on the alcohol industry's influence and supporting stronger safeguards to protect health-especially for children. A new independent poll shows overwhelming support for tighter safeguards on how alcohol is sold and marketed. Clear majorities support firm limits on key problems such as the price of cheap alcohol, online deliveries, and industry involvement in policy making. Nearly 80% back a ban on alcohol ads seen by children. 'Alcohol is the most harmful drug in Aotearoa, but it's marketed like a harmless treat,' says Karen Wright, Health Coalition Aotearoa. 'Our legislation is outdated and is maintaining large inequities in harm. People are saying enough is enough. They back action to protect children, whānau and communities from alcohol harm.' The majority support making alcohol less available 81% agree online alcohol deliveries should have to follow the same checks as bars and stores 76% agreed with neighbourhood limits on the number of places selling alcohol 58% support returning the alcohol purchase age to 20 years old The majority support removing industry from policymaking and telling the truth about alcohol harms 71% agree the alcohol industry should stay out of policymaking 66% support cancer warning labels on alcohol products The majority support safeguards against alcohol advertising 80% back a ban on alcohol ads seen by children 62% support a ban on all alcohol advertising and sponsorship 68% agree sporting organisations should be supported to move away from alcohol sponsorship Support for making alcohol less affordable 58% agree cheap alcohol should not be sold below a certain price 47% agree the Government should increase the price of alcohol by 10% and use that money for alcohol treatment services and harm prevention. A further 11% were unsure. The poll shows strong support for the three areas known to reduce alcohol consumption and harm for communities – safeguards for affordability, availability and advertising. Successive New Zealand Governments have not implemented long-standing recommendations to address these issues. Instead they have made disappointing, minor tweaks to the law governing alcohol. 'The people of Aotearoa are ready for change. Now it's up to the Government to act,' says Steve Randerson, Health Coalition Aotearoa. 'As a country we have done this before with tobacco, when the Government brought in sensible safeguards around tobacco marketing. The public supports similar action for alcohol marketing, which would benefit young people and those trying to cut down or stop drinking.' Alcohol causes a broad range of harms to the consumer, whānau and communities. Alcohol fuels violence and causes at least seven types of cancer. It also causes lifelong brain injury to babies exposed during pregnancy – and many other harms to health and society. It's also deeply woven into everyday life, from rugby matches to music festivals-thanks to relentless industry marketing. 'Alcohol companies spend millions telling us drinking is fun, sexy and essential. But the ads don't tell us it causes cancer,' says Steve Randerson. 'Our children deserve better. So do we.' The cost of replacing alcohol sponsorship in sport is relatively low-just $10-12 million per year, or 5-6% of total sponsorship revenue. 'This is a fixable problem,' says Karen Wright. 'New Zealanders want politicians to put people before profits. Solutions to reduce harms must not be influenced by an industry motivated by sales and profit. It's time to overhaul our alcohol laws to protect our children and those most impacted by harm.' Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling time and urges the Government to act on the clear public mandate and introduce evidence-based reforms to reduce alcohol harm across Aotearoa. Poll details This poll provides the most up to date data on current public opinion on alcohol policies of New Zealand adults. Results are based upon questions asked in a Talbot Mills Research nationwide online survey of a sample of 1161 nationally representative respondents in NZ 18 years of age and over. The questions were asked in March 2025. Participants were asked 'To reduce the problems associated with alcohol use, how strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements (%)' followed by a range of alcohol policy measure statements. The last public opinion survey was the 2023 University of Otago/Cancer Society survey. Our PHCC Briefing includes 2023 results for comparison where relevant, but we caution comparing results too closely as the methodology and question and response options differed between the two surveys. This poll was funded by Health Coalition Aotearoa and the Cancer Society of New Zealand.
Scoop
12-05-2025
- Health
- Scoop
New Zealanders Back Action On Preventing Alcohol Harm
New Zealanders are calling time on the alcohol industry's influence and supporting stronger safeguards to protect health-especially for children. A new independent poll shows overwhelming support for tighter safeguards on how alcohol is sold and marketed. Clear majorities support firm limits on key problems such as the price of cheap alcohol, online deliveries, and industry involvement in policy making. Nearly 80% back a ban on alcohol ads seen by children. "Alcohol is the most harmful drug in Aotearoa, but it's marketed like a harmless treat," says Karen Wright, Health Coalition Aotearoa. "Our legislation is outdated and is maintaining large inequities in harm. People are saying enough is enough. They back action to protect children, whānau and communities from alcohol harm." The majority support making alcohol less available 81% agree online alcohol deliveries should have to follow the same checks as bars and stores 76% agreed with neighbourhood limits on the number of places selling alcohol 58% support returning the alcohol purchase age to 20 years old The majority support removing industry from policymaking and telling the truth about alcohol harms 71% agree the alcohol industry should stay out of policymaking 66% support cancer warning labels on alcohol products The majority support safeguards against alcohol advertising 80% back a ban on alcohol ads seen by children 62% support a ban on all alcohol advertising and sponsorship 68% agree sporting organisations should be supported to move away from alcohol sponsorship Support for making alcohol less affordable 58% agree cheap alcohol should not be sold below a certain price 47% agree the Government should increase the price of alcohol by 10% and use that money for alcohol treatment services and harm prevention. A further 11% were unsure. The poll shows strong support for the three areas known to reduce alcohol consumption and harm for communities - safeguards for affordability, availability and advertising. Successive New Zealand Governments have not implemented long-standing recommendations to address these issues. Instead they have made disappointing, minor tweaks to the law governing alcohol. "The people of Aotearoa are ready for change. Now it's up to the Government to act," says Steve Randerson, Health Coalition Aotearoa. "As a country we have done this before with tobacco, when the Government brought in sensible safeguards around tobacco marketing. The public supports similar action for alcohol marketing, which would benefit young people and those trying to cut down or stop drinking." Alcohol causes a broad range of harms to the consumer, whānau and communities. Alcohol fuels violence and causes at least seven types of cancer. It also causes lifelong brain injury to babies exposed during pregnancy - and many other harms to health and society. It's also deeply woven into everyday life, from rugby matches to music festivals-thanks to relentless industry marketing. "Alcohol companies spend millions telling us drinking is fun, sexy and essential. But the ads don't tell us it causes cancer," says Steve Randerson. "Our children deserve better. So do we." The cost of replacing alcohol sponsorship in sport is relatively low-just $10-12 million per year, or 5-6% of total sponsorship revenue. "This is a fixable problem," says Karen Wright. "New Zealanders want politicians to put people before profits. Solutions to reduce harms must not be influenced by an industry motivated by sales and profit. It's time to overhaul our alcohol laws to protect our children and those most impacted by harm." Health Coalition Aotearoa is calling time and urges the Government to act on the clear public mandate and introduce evidence-based reforms to reduce alcohol harm across Aotearoa. Poll details This poll provides the most up to date data on current public opinion on alcohol policies of New Zealand adults. Results are based upon questions asked in a Talbot Mills Research nationwide online survey of a sample of 1161 nationally representative respondents in NZ 18 years of age and over. The questions were asked in March 2025. Participants were asked 'To reduce the problems associated with alcohol use, how strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements (%)' followed by a range of alcohol policy measure statements. The last public opinion survey was the 2023 University of Otago/Cancer Society survey. Our PHCC Briefing includes 2023 results for comparison where relevant, but we caution comparing results too closely as the methodology and question and response options differed between the two surveys. This poll was funded by Health Coalition Aotearoa and the Cancer Society of New Zealand.
