The level of access New Zealanders have to alcohol outlets varies dramatically, depending on whether they live in poor or affluent neighbourhoods, University of Otago research shows.
An alcohol watchdog has welcomed the research as proof a situation known to exist overseas is also found here.
It also comes at a time when the Law Commission is preparing its review of New Zealand's liquor laws.
The study by health researchers in the university's Injury Prevention Research Unit, scheduled to be published in the next issue of Health & Place journal, found people who lived in lower decile neighbourhoods were exposed to more liquor outlets, mostly bars and pubs, well within walking distance, compared with people who lived in higher decile neighbourhoods, principal investigator Dr Kypros Kypri said.
It was a concern when international research had shown that there was a strong association between increased density of bars and greater rates of assault.
It also posed a public health risk. Research showed the unhealthy use of alcohol was increasing in many countries.
The authors of the research concluded that authorities who designed or administered liquor licensing and land-use legislation should consider the public health risk posed by permitting more alcohol outlets - in particular, bars and off-licence outlets - in more deprived areas.
Rebecca Williams, director of the alcohol lobby group Alcohol Healthwatch, said she was not surprised at the results and welcomed New Zealand research on the topic.
Overseas research had found high density of liquor outlets led to longer opening hours and cheaper prices, which, in turn, increased the incidence of alcohol-related harm and public health risks, she said.
The present system focused on putting the responsibility on communities to deal with alcohol-related issues, but lower socio-economic communities were already loaded with health and social problems and adding the pressure of heavy liquor-outlet density and the associated risks was simply unfair.
"That is just poor policy."
Presbyterian Support Otago chief executive Gillian Bremner said while accessibility of alcohol was an issue that should be given some careful thought, care also had to be taken about the level of social engineering that could take place.
The problems lay more with a drinking culture than anything and the emphasis should be on making sure a healthy community environment existed.
Communities needed a gathering place and for people to gather at a drinking hole was not necessarily a bad thing, she said.
The Law Commission, in its regulatory review of liquor laws presented this week, suggested a licence could be refused if the overall social impact of the licence was likely to be detrimental to the wellbeing of the local or broader community.
They would have to take into account matters such as the site of the proposed premises, the density and type of other premises in the area and the health and social characteristics of the local population.
Justice Minister Simon Power said yesterday changes to liquor laws would be done in one comprehensive package.
The paper contained a raft of ideas for the public to consider, including a new Sale of Liquor Act, reduced blood-alcohol level for drivers, more taxes on alcohol, greater restrictions and powers around licensing, shorter opening hours for pubs and more investment in rehabilitation.
The paper is out for consultation and a final report will go to the Government in November.
