New Zeeland: Beer, Wine & Spirits Council will close

According to the Independent News Media publication on November 30, the Managing Directors of Lion Nathan New Zealand and DB Breweries announced that the Beer, Wine and Spirits Council, which represents the non-commercial interests of both companies, will close on 31 December. The move follows Lion Nathan’s decision to withdraw from the Council and pursue a more direct engagement with the Government on industry matters.

“The liquor industry is undergoing substantial change in New Zealand,” said Peter Kean, Managing Director of Lion Nathan “and the Government’s approach to alcohol policy is not category specific.”

“We believe it is time for Lion to take direct accountability for its actions and work collaboratively with the whole industry – especially to improve the industry’s performance on responsible marketing and supporting efforts to change New Zealand’s drinking culture.” Brian Blake, Managing Director of DB Breweries said he was disappointed to see the Council close. “DB has always seen value in an independent, industry voice, which is why we have supported the Beer, Wine and Spirits Council and, in recent times, looked at options to extend the Council to include wider industry participation,” said Mr Blake.

“Moving forward, we will now engage directly with a wide range of key stakeholders to progress the issues facing the industry, and that creates opportunities as well. DB is a responsible brewer that listens to the community and stakeholders and in that respect nothing will change.

“DB Breweries and Lion Nathan would like to acknowledge the excellent work undertaken by the BWSC in recent years, and in particular the contribution made by its Chief Executive Nicki Stewart, to informing discussion on the social issues facing the industry.”

01 December, 2006