Concerns alcohol delivery services could be contributing to domestic violence

ABC NEWS (Australia)

Alcohol delivery services were one of those businesses that enjoyed a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are now serious concerns that it could be contributing to domestic violence cases. Last year, all states and territories agreed to review liquor laws and there are growing calls for alcohol delivery to be put under the microscope.

Transcript

00:00Kim Valentine wants the rest of the country to pay close attention to South Australia.

00:07Abuse may be the bomb and alcohol the fuse, but delivery is like the guided missile that is the match.

00:15The former Neighbours star, who is now an anti-family violence advocate,

00:21hopes the impact of alcohol delivery is high on the agenda

00:24when states and territories review liquor laws to help reduce domestic and gendered violence.

00:30She supports reforms in SA that are changing how alcohol is delivered to homes.

00:36The state's proposed changes include introducing a two-hour buffer between order and delivery,

00:41cutting delivery hours from 10am to 10pm instead of opening at 8am,

00:46and introduces harm reduction as the object of liquor laws.

00:50Advocates hope the changes will make a difference.

00:52We're at a crisis point with family and domestic violence in this country,

00:56and what that means is that we have to look at all options.

00:59But a two-hour delay isn't popular with those who believe responsible drinkers shouldn't be disadvantaged.

01:05Convenience does not equal harm,

01:08so we've got to make sure that we're always taking an evidence-based approach when making decisions.

01:13The final bill is expected to be introduced to South Australian Parliament later this year,

01:18but other state and territory leaders are likely keeping an eye on what happens here.

01:23The state's Consumer Affairs Minister, Andrea Michaels,

01:26says the government is now considering feedback received from stakeholders.

01:30For Kim, there's hope what happens in SA will be followed nationally.

01:35Lives actually depend on you fulfilling the promise that you made.

01:40A strong message for those in power.

01:42Thank you for joining us.

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