The Alcohol Policy Coalition (APC) is encouraging members of the Legislative Council to support the Liquor and Gambling Amendment Bill ahead of its debate in the Upper House, expected today.
The alliance of health organisations said the Bill will introduce important reforms to Victoria’s liquor laws that will protect children from alcohol advertising and strengthen laws around the sale and supply of alcohol to children.
APC spokesperson and Cancer Council Victoria Senior Legal Policy Advisor Sarah Jackson encouraged members of the Legislative Council to support the Bill to protect minors.
“The Bill will help to protect children and young people from aggressive promotions from alcohol companies around schools,” Ms Jackson said.
“Alcohol companies should not be allowed to prey on school children by placing billboards and outdoor advertising near schools.
“Children exposed to alcohol advertising are more likely to start drinking at a young age and engage in risky levels of drinking.
“The Bill will help to stop alcohol companies from advertising to young people to increase their profits at the expense of our children’s wellbeing.
“We congratulate the Government on the Bill and welcome the support the Bill received from the Opposition and other Members in the Lower House. The Bill is an important first stage in the reforms needed to Victoria’s liquor laws, and the Alcohol Policy Coalition looks forward to a wider range of reforms to prevent harm caused by the alcohol industry in the Victorian community.”
Alcohol companies contribute to a range of devastating harms, including street violence, family violence, injuries, overdoses, cancer and deaths.
The amendments to the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 to be debated today include reforms to ban alcohol adverting within 150m of schools.
The new reforms will also strengthen existing laws to prevent the sale of alcohol to children by alcohol businesses by requiring delivery drivers to check identification when delivering alcohol.
To view the APC submission to the review of the Liquor Control Reform Act or for further information visit
http://www.alcoholpolicycoalition.org.au/our-work/liquor-act-review