15/07/09
Dear Colleague
It is now 8 weeks to go before the official launch of the Liquor Control Campaign (LCC) at the Cutting Edge Conference, Te Papa Wellington, 10 September. But it is only 2 weeks until the release of the Law Commission's public consultation document. This is going to be important in the overall structuring of specific policies that are compatible with the main thrust of the campaign's 5+ Solution.
Remember the 5+ Solution is not specific policy; it is simply a set of policy directives which will in time be converted into specific policies. We are waiting for the Law Commission's document before formulating these specific policies.
Since inviting donations in my last progress note, $2520 has been deposited in the JDMF Liquor Control account with KiwiBank 38-9009-0359942-00. This is a terrific start and I thank those who have already contributed. Every $20 will count. We are working on publicity and aiming to cover the costs of pamphlets and newspaper adverts in the local papers of each of the 30 venues, now that we've basically got the costs of the lecture series launch itself sorted.
If you don't have internet banking access then please send a cheque to the Liquor Control Campaign, PO Box 443, Christchurch 8140.
But the main thing that has happened since my last progress note is excellent publicity in the New Zealand Herald (see attached documents). Simon Collins wrote a very good piece about the campaign, including a re-wording of the 5+ Solution that we've decided to go with as follows:
The 5+ Solution
1. Raise alcohol prices
2. Raise the purchase age
3. Reduce alcohol accessibility
4. Reduce marketing and advertising
5. Increase drink-driving counter-measures
PLUS: Increase treatment opportunities for heavy drinkers
Simon Collins included in the piece some ridiculous comments from Bruce Robertson of the Hospitality Association, which were subsequently very well retorted by Rebecca Williamson of Alcohol Healthwatch and Dr Jennie Connor of University of Otago (and media spokesperson for the LCC) on consecutive days. Roger Kerr of the Business Roundtable then had a desperate opinion piece published and this was taken apart by Ross Bell of the New Zealand Drug Foundation the following day and I had a further letter published the next day.
All in all, a very good showing. See these letters and the original Collins article attached.
The campaign is definitely feeling like it is growing in momentum.
There are more than 150 people I am aware of in the network who are actively involved in organising the launch and campaign activities beyond the launch. There are also now 1500+ people on the email list, many of whom are actively getting the word out that there is a significant national alcohol campaign on its way. I just hope that along with my fellow medical media spokespeople, Geoff Robinson, Jennie Connor and Rod Jackson, and other colleagues in parallel campaigns and initiatives, we adequately represent the concerns of the many colleagues as well as regular New Zealanders who want change and a safer/healthier society to live in.
Finally, just to update you on the national lecture series. There are now 37 meetings (virtually all organised) over ten weeks during which I will be delivering "10 things the alcohol industry won't tell you about alcohol". These include the 32 evening meetings on the attached latest working itinerary, along with 5 additional daytime meetings; two on marae (Gisborne and Rotorua), two schools (Rangitoto College and Thames High School) and a Grand Round at Waikato Hospital. I've decided, on advice, to cap it at that in order to allow some space along the way to meet more informally with people, particularly thinking of the campaign following this lecture series launch and the setting up of a network of local Liquor Control Groups throughout New Zealand. Perhaps you'd like to be involved in one of these local groups, or even lead one. Don't hesitate to get in touch.
All the best till next time
Doug
