Liquor report criticised

Press, 28 August 1984, Page 23

Liquor report criticised

PA Wellington The liquor industry’s appeal for drinking moderation is a move to improve its image and promote its products at the same time, according to a New Zealand Temperance Alliance spokesman, Mr Tom Wilson. Mr Wilson said that it was a thinly veiled promotion for more widespread alcohol consumption. A Christchurch pathologist, Dr Jim Gwynne, criticised the arguments underlying the “drinking for health” segment of the broad report, which called for a more unified approach to alcohol and its problems.

“I would be strongly against any recommendation to the community that tfr.jfr are better off drinking tw® glasses of wine th'an

nothing. One person in 10 who drinks regularly eventually developes alcohol dependency.” Mr Wilson said the industry’s plea for an easing of taxation was “an arm-twist for a new Government which is seeking wide approval from all sectors of the community.”

He said that recent studies showed the taxpayer supported alcohol abusers to the extent of $650 million a year. “If we insist on allowing the liquor industry to promote alcohol, then we must also insist that drinkers themselves foot the bill for all alcohol-related expenses. “If the liquor industry is really sincere in its cry for moderation,” he said, “then surely it will discontinue its products forthwith.®'