MDHB News

Public Health: Alcohol & Other Drugs

MidCentral Health’s Public Health Service carry out regulatory and promotional activities aiming to reduce alcohol and other drug related harm in the community.

In conjunction with other agencies (including the Police, District Licensing Agency and HANZ) the Public Health Service works to reduce the health risks that might arise from the use of alcohol or other drugs. Promotional activities are conducted within MidCentral’s region (Palmerston North, Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua). Licensing activities are also carried out in this area and across the Good Health Wanganui region.

Regulatory – Licensing:

A liquor licensingadvisor carries out liquor licensing inspections and assists with processing applications for liquor licences in both regions.
Part of the process of applying for, or renewing, a liquor licence is a report from the Medical Officer of Health on the business's Host Responsibility knowledge and practices. This information is gathered on their behalf and an advisor also confirms whether other legal requirements are complied with. If an application is not objected to by the public, Police, Fire Service or the above it will be granted/renewed by the local liquor licensing
Information is alsoprovided to licensees (and potential licensees) for clarifying legal issues relating to the Sale of Liquor Act and its implications for their business activities. An example of this is advice on Host Responsibility Policies. For further information on this, Public Health South have excellent advice on Host Responsibility Policy Development

Promoting Harm Minimisation:

By working with various groups in the community (police, licensees, employers, schools, young people, parents and others) the Public Health Service aims to reduce the harm caused to society and individuals by the consumption of alcohol and drugs. This includes drink-driving, violence, accidental injuries health and social problems.

The service assists with education and information to all these groups and try to raise public awareness of issues in this area. It advocates for policy changes to minimise harm and is one avenue of complaint for the public regarding alcohol related problems including failure to comply with provisions of the Act such as age restrictions.

Examples of strategies include:

Publicity and information to parents around After Ball party issues;
Involvement with policy development with council and other enforcement partners
Submissions and advocacy to central and local government on alcohol issues
Production of a collaborative Parent Pack distributed to secondary schools in Palmerston North

The Public Health Service encourages the responsible sale, use and promotion of liquor by licensed premises including sale of food, low and non alcoholic drinks; not serving under-aged or intoxicated people; and assisting with transport choices. It also encourages responsible use in private and workplace environments (ALAC and Public Health South advice) and discourage the promotion of excessive drinking in all settings.

Strategies include:

Involvement with Liquor Liaison and other collaborative groups
Inter agency Training Workshops for licensed premises staff
Increasing compliance and reducing youth access to alcohol by involvement in Controlled Purchase Operations (stings).

For further information:

Information, resources, extensive links
Alcohol Advisory Council (ALAC)
Sale of Liquor FAQs
Sale of Liquor Act
Info for Youth

Alcohol & Drug Helpline, Alcohol and Drug Information
ADANZ - Alcohol Drug Association New Zealand, Alcohol & Drug Info, Intervention & Coordination Services
Alcohol Drug Helpline - 0800 787 797 - Confidential Drink & Drug Taking Info & Support
ADANZ - Drug Information

Drug information, research, information for parents
Australian Drug Foundation

Advocacy, information, policy, media releases
Alcohol Healthwatch
Ministry of Health, New Zealand

Policy development, planning
National Drug Policy New Zealand

Policy, advocacy, media releases, discussion
NZ Drug Foundation
Sale of Liquor Act 1989
Alcoholics Anonymous
Foundation for Alcohol & Drug Education

NZ Research Groups with Alcohol focus:
Alcohol and Public Health Research Unit
APHRU

Centre for Social & Health Outcomes Research & Evaluation
SHORE

Youth Sites:
URGE
The Word
Trippin
YOSS Palmerston North Youth One Stop Shop

Other contacts:

Youthline   0800 376 6335
Alcohol Drug Helpline  0800 787 797
Sexual Health Clinic  (06) 350 8602
Alcohol & Drug Service (06) 350 9130

Disclaimer:

MidCentral District Health Board is not responsible for the contents or reliability of the linked websites and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed within them. Listing shall not be taken as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all of the time and we have no control over availability of the linked pages.