Minute Item Attachments of Youth Advisory Panel

Youth Advisory Panel

10 March 2014

Auckland Council Youth Advisory Panel Submission in support of Auckland Council Submission on Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill

1 Introduction

1.1 This submission is from Auckland Council’s Youth Advisory Panel (“YAP”), written in support of Auckland Council’s (“the council”) submission on the Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill (“the Bill”).

1.2 YAP is one of the council’s advisory panels. One representative from each of the 21 local boards aged between 12 and 24 years is elected on to the panel to advise the council on matters relating to children and young people. Its purpose is to identify and communicate the interests and preferences of Auckland’s young people.

1.3 YAP has a co-governance agreement with the council for ‘I Am Auckland’, its Children and Youth Person’s Strategic Action Plan (“the action plan”). The council’s top priority in its long-term plan is to put children and young people first. ^{^[1]}

1.4 Due to time constraints, YAP was unable to contribute to the development of the council’s submission. However, due to the relevance of the Bill to youth, it was determined that the views of YAP should be attached to the council submission.

2 Executive Summary

2.1 This Bill is directly aligned to Goal 3 of the Auckland Council Strategic Action Plan for Children and Young people: “I am happy, healthy and thriving”; and has provided a platform to influence positive social and public health changes for all of the young people in Auckland.

2.2 YAP supports the council’s submission and its recommendations to strengthen the Bill.

2.3 YAP also supports the overall intent of the Bill, and in particular, appreciates its focus on the impact tobacco packaging has for young people.

2.4 YAP recognises that there are a number of contributing factors in the appeal of tobacco products to young people and different demographic groups may react differently to the proposed legislation. A broader public health approach should be sought to the target root causes of youth smoking uptake. By increasing youth participation in the process to develop meaningful initiatives, more successful outcomes will be realised.

3 Background to “I Am Auckland”, Auckland Council’s Children and Young People Strategic Action Plan; Goal 3: “I am happy, healthy and thriving”.

3.1 In 2012 6000 submissions were received from children and young people of Auckland on what they perceived as important to them. These young voices were transformed into the seven goals of the action plan.

3.1.1 The seven goals of the action plan are:

1. I have a voice, am valued and contribute

2. Auckland is a place where I am important, belong, am cared about and feel safe

3. I am happy, healthy and thriving

4. Auckland is a place where I am given equal opportunities to succeed and be given a fair go

5. Auckland is a place where I can get around and get connected

6. Auckland is my playground

7. Kia ora rawa atu e ngā rangatahi katoa (all rangatahi will thrive)

3.2 The council recognises that health and well-being are important aspects to the overall participation and development of children and young people in Auckland. They are committed to creating healthy and thriving communities, including healthy environments.

3.3 However, the action plan recognises that many factors that support good health for children and young people are beyond the control of the council or the health sector alone. This includes the use of tobacco products and smoking, and therefore it is essential that this Bill becomes a platform in influencing positive social and public health changes to the young people of Auckland.

4 YAP’s response to the Smoke-free Environments (Tobacco Plain Packaging) Amendment Bill

4.1 YAP welcomes the opportunity to submit on this Bill as there are a number of positive social and public health implications that are pertinent to children and young people.

4.2 YAP strongly supports the submission tabled by the council, and in particular, acknowledges the mention of children and young people, a population group that the council will advocate to central government to focus on for future initiatives (Clauses 3.6 & 3.7).

4.2 Similar to the council, YAP also supports the expanded scope for labelling of tobacco products and health messages, and commends the inclusion of “the harmful health, social or economic effects, or other harmful effects of using the product” (Clause 11).

4.2.1 There is strong evidence that even before young people smoke, they develop beliefs about tobacco that increases their susceptibility to future tobacco use^{^[2]}, with little knowledge of the broader social and health implications smoking brings.

4.2.2 Emphasis on measures like these will act as a deterrent to young people considering smoking and increase awareness of the effects of tobacco smoking. Young people’s attitudes towards tobacco control are protective of both their intentions to smoke and behaviours, and are also highly influenced by their peers’ perceptions of tobacco. This deterrence will therefore reduce the initiation and uptake of smoking by young people.

4.2.3 Research indicates that health and disease based anti-smoking images elicited feelings of disgust and empathy amongst young people, heightening the salience of the message sufficiently enough to lower future smoking intentions^{^[3]}.

4.3 YAP has a particular interest and support for the plain packaging of tobacco products and favours an approach that allows only “other than part of the package that is wrapping or lining …[the] display or company name for the product, but only in accordance with regulations under this Part” (Clause 10).

4.3.1 Research suggests that current tobacco packaging is developed to appeal to new smokers, to create a desire to purchase and try². The packaging is constantly monitored to ensure that the brand is still appealing to young people through its colour and design. It uses three ways to target and recruit brand loyalty in the youth market: imagery, communicating value and offering something new^{^[4]}.

4.3.2 Plain packages will therefore be less appealing, less palatable, less satisfying and of lower quality in comparison to tobacco products of current packaging^{^[5]}. This will also affect young people’s perceptions of cigarette branding and reduces the cultural credibility some brands uphold.

4.3.3 The removal of cigarette branding will subsequently allow for an increase in graphic labels highlighting the impacts of tobacco, and thereby further reducing the uptake of young people.

4.4 However, New Zealand research also highlights that plain packaging of tobacco products and display bans are overall the tobacco control measure least supported by young people^{^[6]}. Also, research in Norway, has demonstrated differences in the impact of plain packaging when disaggregated to gender and age^{^[7]}. This may be due to little awareness by young people of the persuasive power of cigarette branding as tobacco industry promotion.

4.5 New Zealand’s children and young people would benefit from a wider targeted public health approach to tobacco control, including education, promotion, as well as plain packaging and taxation. This will strengthen young people’s awareness of industry practise and shift their attitudes towards support for tobacco control. Ultimately it will generate the much needed support of tobacco control measures from what’s perceived to be an easily influenced and at-risk population.

4.5 More importantly however, if tobacco control policies are aimed to have an effect on young people, it is important to consult with them and investigate their behaviours, opinions and perceptions. The views of young people represent a priority population for tobacco control measures, and therefore these need to be sought and understood to determine if tobacco control initiatives will be accepted and effective.

4.6 YAP therefore recommends a review of the outcomes and impacts on young people after 12 months of implementation should be undertaken to measure effectiveness and to allow time for further research to be undertaken on what will be the most effective and appropriate strategies to achieve a tobacco-free New Zealand by 2025.

5 Conclusion

5.1 YAP strongly supports the submission by the council on this Bill. While YAP supports the overall intent of the Bill (particularly Clauses 10 & 11) and the associated positive social and public health impacts, research evidence has also highlighted that plain packaging may not be the most effective way to reduce youth smoking rates. Given the persuasive power of the tobacco industry, a wider public health approach is warranted for youth targeted tobacco control. Young people are the future and in order to ensure that smoking is not, it is important that young voices are legitimised in developing tobacco control strategies.

Youth Advisory Panel

10 March 2014

Manurewa Youth Council Local Alcohol Policy

Position Paper

The Manurewa Youth Council (MYC) would like to provide Auckland Council with the following policy options for inclusion in the Auckland Council Local Alcohol Policy.

The implied purpose of the Local Alcohol Policy is to support territorial authorities to put in place systems and licencing conditions which will support obtaining the objective of the Act. Hence, council must ensure that they use all possible levers, in conjunction with each other, to achieve this end and not be unduly influenced by factors which are not directly associated with obtaining the object of the Act.

MYC is supportive of measures which assist in restricting the access and availability of alcohol whilst also providing communities with more power to influence and shape their environments positively.

Specific Feedback

MYC believes that the district licensing committee should be based in individual local board areas to make decisions for that ward EG Manurewa - Papakura ward be combined as one district licensing committee.

Location: Proximity (to premises or facilities of a particular kind or kinds)

Location: Broad areas (general area – CBD, areas town centres/residential)

MYC Agrees:

- That the location of licences needs to be regulated. Licensed premises should be located in areas of high security and close to public transport and areas where alternative transport is available.

- They should not be near residential areas, schools or in areas that conventionally have issues with alcohol related crime.

- A high stress or high risk zone has a high number of existing premises, an area that has high alcohol related crime, low socio economic status, low income earning house holds, high density and accessibility, single parents, young parents, high volume of people without jobs, high volume of people suffering depression.

- To restrict licences based on proximity to sensitive sites. Sensitive sites include place’s where children and vulnerable members of the community will most likely to be on a regular basis - Schools, churches, community facilities (pools, sports grounds, libraries, rec centres, skate parks, scenic walkways, estuary water front, play grounds), hospitals and health centres, public transport, ECE facilities, places like Whakatakapokai boys home and rest homes.

- That we should have a buffer zone around sensitive sites between 300m and 500m radius, so any alcohol related advertisement is not visible from the site. It is still accessible to those in the neighbour hood. Allows for sensitive sites to be distant from licensed and unlicensed premises. If liquor stores aren’t in walking distance of a school it can be a discouragement for young people to be able to access it.

- The policy should apply to all licences, licences of a particular kind, or certain types of licensed premises. It should be certain grades of licence e.g. A. B, C depending on the community they are in.

MYC Preferred Option:

Location: Proximity

- Buffer zones around sensitive sites with allowances for discretionary conditions for proximity to sensitive sites. Buffer zones no alcohol premises within a certain distance of a school, church, community facilities, hospitals, health centres, treatment centres, public transport, ECE facilities and rest homes.

- We understand the need for flexibility for different communities and would recommend restricted licensing for some communities. An example of a restricted licence would allow a licence premises to be located within a buffer zone when abiding by conditions such as reduced advertising and reduced hours.

Location: Broad areas

- Location controls based on land use and other characteristics of a broad area would have rules to determine what types of alcohol-related activities could happen there. It could help to encourage establishments in some areas and not in others which could be based on zones outlined in the Auckland Council Unitary Plan or Auckland plan.

- This may include having buffer zones around certain zones or areas like residential areas. This option could take into consideration socio-economic and demographic information or other characteristics of the area such as high risk zones based on indicators of alcohol-related harm such as hospital or traffic incident data and would also take into account the current licensing environment EG how many existing licences.

Density of licences

MYC Agrees:

- Yes Auckland Council should regulate the density of licences.

- We support a density policy that is area-based as each area is different and has a greater or lesser issue with alcohol and the negative effects that occur from alcohol abuse.

- Areas with statistics showing a high relation between crime, violence and drugs with alcohol should have less density.

- Other areas have a different attitude and perspective of importance on alcohol and its role in their lives. Therefore to be able to better control the issues that alcohol abuse comes with it’s important to not treat the issue with a one size fits all solution, specific areas can request for harsher density control if suitable.

MYC Preferred Option:

MYC believes that multiple tools should be given to communities to reduce alcohol related harm with regard to density of licences.

- Temporary freeze/sinking lid policy where no new licences would be granted for a set period of time, is area based and can be implemented for a short or long term. Usually used in areas where there are already a lot of licences or there is a high level of alcohol related harm.

- Council would then review the temporary freeze after a certain time. Premises could close but new premises could not open, the number of premises would decrease over time.

- We would propose a local board area cap this option which would limit the total number of licences across the local board area and could apply to all licences or certain kind of license.

Hours and one-way door:

MYC Agrees:

- That the national default hours for off-licence are insufficient, we believe urban areas should close earlier (10.00pm) and that off licence premises close at this time region wide.

- Those national default hours are insufficient for on-licences and should be decided by the local community within suburban areas.

- Alcohol should not be sold in supermarkets or off-licence before 9am and should stop trading by 10.00pm.

- Yes, risk ratings should be a factor in setting hours.

- Yes, the LAP could allow for extended hours on a trial basis, the communities need to control and show appreciation as well as a sense of respect for themselves and the role that they allow alcohol to play in their lives. Extended hours could mean that trust has been instilled within the role that alcohol has become in that community.

MYC Preferred Option(s):

- Varied trading hours set in the policy that could vary based on location of the premises, kind of licence (off / on licence), the premise type (bar, restaurant, tavern) and the risk of the premises.

- Community impact statement applicants to submit a community impact statement to demonstrate that they have considered the impacts on the community and surrounding area and businesses. This could be required for all applicants or certain types of premises or licences or only in certain areas.

General

Unfortunately in Manurewa/Clendon there are a number of alcohol related incidents that go unreported to police and accident and emergency services.

Therefore, locally based evidence may be limited, yet there are many real life experiences that continue to be shared by local residents. MYC has located locally sourced evidence that has been collected through local resident surveys in Manurewa/Clendon.

Youth Attitudes to Alcohol Survey Manurewa/Clendon (February 2006) - CAYAD

· A total of 505 surveys were completed by young people aged between 12 and 19 years old. The majority of respondents were aged between 13 and 16 years old. Most respondents (96%) were attending either intermediate or secondary school level or an educational course at a private training centre. The remaining respondents (4%) were neither at school nor in a course

· Over half (54%) of the young people surveyed indicated that they drink alcohol

· Thirty nine percent of respondents indicated that in the last 12 months, they had travelled in a vehicle with a driver who had recently consumed alcohol

· Over half (62%) of respondents indicated that they were drinking above the recommended 6 standard drinks for adult men per drinking session. Of this number, 17% indicated that they drank 5-10 glasses per session, 20% indicated that they drank between 10-15 glasses per session and 25% indicated that they drank more than 15 glasses per session

· Almost half (48%) of the respondents indicated that alcohol had been involved with them getting into trouble

· Of the 48% of young people who responded that drinking had caused them to get into trouble, 30% indicated that they had been in trouble with their parents while another 30% reported that they had been in trouble with police

· Five percent indicated that they had been involved in a car accident of some sort while drinking

· Others reported incidents included being involved in fights or violence (25%) and sexually related incidents (10%)

· Ten percent of young people indicated that they had been told they had a problem with alcohol

· Almost one third (30%) of young people indicated that someone in their family had a problem with alcohol

· Of the 148 young people who indicated that some one in their family had an alcohol problem, fathers were reported as being the most likely to be indicated at 29%, followed by brothers (27%) and mothers (15%)

Alcohol Attitudes and Behaviour Survey Randwick Park (November 2012) - Warriors of Change Youth Leaders & CAYAD

· 71% of respondents said they lived in Randwick Park. The average age of respondents was 31

· 69% of respondents were female and 44% were Maori

· 70 people surveyed, 66% said they drink alcohol, most drinking 2 or 3 days per week

· The most common day to drink (by a wide margin) is Saturday. Thursday and Friday are also common days

· More than half of the people surveyed drink more than 5 drinks each time they drink

· 41% of people said that they have felt that they need to cut down on their drinking. 38% of people said that they have felt guilty about their drinking

· Only 25% of people said they thought most local people use alcohol responsibly. 75% said they don’t

MYC believe that there is a link between the availability of alcohol and the prevalence of alcohol related harm which is supported through the research example shown in The relationship between minimum alcohol prices, outlet density & alcohol attributable deaths in British Columbia, 2002 to 2009. 10% increase in private liquor stores was associated with a 2.45%, 2.36% and 1.99% increase in acute, chronic and total AA mortality rates - Zhao J, Stockwell T, Martin G, et al. (2013)

MYC understands that with these changes could bring unintended consequences such as drunk driving and we encourage Auckland Council to work with NZ police to raise awareness regarding drink driving. We also believe that part of the process should include consultation with young people and we encourage Auckland Council to work with local youth groups and young people in the decision making process.

Manurewa Youth Council (MYC) contact person - Matthew Ward

Mob: 0212081274

Email: matjam@windowslive.com

[1] Auckland Council defines children and young people as anyone under the age of 25, in accordance to the World Health definitions of children and youth.

[2] Germain, D., Wakefield, A., & Durkin, S.J. (2010). Adolescents’ Perceptions of Cigarette Brand Image: Does Plain Packaging Make a Difference? Journal of Adolescent Health, 46, 385-392. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.08.009

[3] McCool, J., Webb, L., Cameron, L.D., & Hoek, J. (2012). Graphic warning labels on plain cigarette packs: Will they make a difference to adolescents? Social Science & Medicine 74, 1269-1273. doi:10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.12.043

[4] The Centre for Tobacco Control Research Core (2012). The packaging of tobacco products. Cancer Research UK

[5] Quit Victoria, Cancer Council Victoria. (2011). Plain packaging of tobacco products: a review of the evidence. Cancer Council Victoria

[6] Smith, A., McCool, J., Paynter, J., & Newcombe, R. (2012). Youth Opinions of Tobacco Control in New Zealand: Support for Specific Measures and the Relationship With Smoking Behaviors Among 14-15-Year-Olds. Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 14(4), 479-485.

[7] Scheffels, J. & Lund, I. (2013). The impact of cigarette branding and plain packaging on perceptions of product appeal and risk among young adults in Norway: A between-subjects experimental survey. British Medical Journal Ope, 3(e003732). Doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003732